BIT CULTURE 
AND STANDARD 




A COMPLETE AND OFFICIAL STANDARD 
OF ALL THE RABBITS 




W. F. ROTH, M. I). 

AND 

CHARLES T. CORNMAN 



Rabbit Culture 
and Standard 



A Complete and Official Standard 
of All the Rabbits 



I BY 
W. F. ROTH, M. D. 
AND 
CHARLES T. CORNMAN 



Tbis book has been adopted by the National Pet Stoek 
A«aociation of America and the New Zealaaid Red Ha.r« 
Clab of America, as thedr officdal Standard. 



n?6 



Copyright 1914 

Bv the 

ITEM PUBLISHING CO 

Seliersville, Pa. 



©CI,A376644 



JOL fl 1914 



Conttnts 



Pages 

Foreword 5 

Rabbit Culture and Standard 9 

The Flemish Giant 14 

The Lop Ear 21 

Varieties of Domestic Rabbits 25 

The Dutch Rabbit 26 

The Angora Rabbit 29 

The Himalayan 32 

Silver Grey 35 

Silver Fawn, Silver Brown and Silver Blue 36 

The English Rabbit 37 

The Polish 39 

Black and ^Tan 40 

The Havanna Rabbit 41 

The Imperial Rabbit 42 

Selfs 43 

The Belgian Hare 44 

Breeding for Shape 58 

Breeding, Building up a Strain, and Inbreeding ... 61 

Standard 66 

Study for the Standard of The Belgian Hare 72 

Standard of Points 75 

Official Standard 80 

Feeding 80 

Hutches 84 

Ailments of Rabbits 89 

Preparation for The Show Room 91 

New Zealand Red Hares 94 



Printed by the 

POULTRY ITEM PRESS 

Sellersville, Pa. 

1914 



PRICE 

Paper Cover - - 50c. 

Cloth Cover $1.00 

Leather Cover 1.50 



Foreword 




R. W. F. ROTH DIED September 3rd, 1911. 
At the time of his death he was under con- 
tract with the Poultry Item, of Sellersville, 
Pa. to write a brochure on rabbits. The 
manuscript in an unfinished condition passed 
into our hands after his demise. The fact 
that Dr. Roth was not permitted to finish this 
worlv is one deeply to be regretted. He stood out as the 
greatest authority on this subject the United States has yet 
produced. It was his desire to erect this as a monument 
that would stand the test of time, but we have here another 
illustration of how man proposes .and God disposes. 

In taking up the completion of this work I do so with 
fear and trembling, appreciating the difficulty in attempting 
to carry out the great work outlined by him. All a man 
can do in this world is to do the best he can and it is my 
desire that I detract not one jot nor tittle from the work. 

The intent of this brochure is to present the Rabbit as 
a Fancy, and an industry of utility value. More espec- 
ially in the interest of the Belgian hare, than any of the 
other varieties. This means its successful breeding for 
profitable .and useful purposes as a fancy and for food. To 
do this is not an easy effort at this time, owing to a serious 
blow the hare as a then possible industry received some 
years since. 

It was not, however, any fault of the hare that the 
"boom" fell flat; but it was the fault of a false understand- 
ing of a venture of this sort by a "syndicate" of indiscreet, 
if not dishonest, promoters. The country was not yet 
ripe for the recognition by rush methods of an industry 
both new and foreign; and if anything, the hasty, vivid, 
and glaring claims were too palpably overwrought for 
intelligent .absorption by a large and other wise pre- 
occupied community. America was too long and wide of 
expanse, v.ith too well supplied a market of all foods which 
were then yet too honestly placed on the consumer's table, 
for him to realize that the hare was an actual necessity. 
In fact, he didn't need it. If he desired "rabbit," which 
was heretofore considered more a game than domestic 
food, the woods, fields and prairies were full of it. But 
things are different now. In the last decade the wild 
animal has become decidedly scarce; poultry is kept at a 
continual advance and almost prohibitive price, and the 
trusts manipulating other food stuffs have made numerous 
products very close to a luxury, notably the meats. Nor 
is our population decreasing among any class except the 
"400," and food we must have. The necessity for food at 
more reasonable prices becomes more apparent every day 
by reason of the present prices being entirely incon- 
sistent with the wage of the moderate working class — that 
class which needs most at all times. This necessity has 
even forced itself vaguely upon the dim vision of our mud- 



died politicians occupying ^f^^ .«^f,f,,^ 
the extent that the 190J Legislature « ^^^^^^ ^^^ 

enacted a law permitting the trading m ^ j^^^ ^^^ 

gians on the same footmg ^ /^f ^/J^.^^j^,^ Z this act, for 
year round. We should all ^e gr consump- 

it is largely .a recognition ^^^ ^.^Ld more game than 
tion that has hitherto been ^°f ^^'^.^^^^^''^g ^s an indus- 
domestic. It places the rearing of Belgians as an ^^^ 

try and fancy on the same ^00^.1^^^%^^^^° of wisdom, 
wLt is now before the ^reeder is the exercise of^w^^^^^^ 

rrcrns^irpTbUcTore vSuf of this new meat 




DR. W. F. ROTH 

as a reasonably priced fooa. Nor should this be spec- 
tally dif^cuU, since the meat of the hare is unquestionably 
the most dainty and most nutritious of .all meats. As an 
animal, the Belgian hare is the cleanest and most prolific 
orSl animals used for food, and weight for weight, it 
costs less to produce five pounds of meat than any other. 

In France, Belgium, an^ to a great extent in England 
and Germany, the hare is largely the meat food of the 
peasant population, owing not only to the delicacy and 
nutritious value of the flesh, but for its economic pro- 
duction. 



6 



The people of some foreign countries have passed 
through sad experiences relative to their meat supply, and 
while we in big America do not anticipate grave serious- 
ness that our supply will run out, it is withal a serious 
issue with the poor classes in our large cities to an extent 
involving millions. The daily papers publish thrill- 
ing stories in almost every issue of instances where suffer- 
ing for lack of food, and meat in particular, are causes of 
suicide, sickness, and even riots. Only the past summer 
uprisings by the poor were held from grave results by the 
Government making itself indirectly responsible for bring- 
ing about a reduction in the rate, so inordinately placed by 
the beef trust, which controlled almost every pound of 
beef and pork handled in city trade. 

I cannot say how the essentials for living are manipu- 
lated in foreign countries — whether trusts or syndicates 
exist to make prices as they please — but if things do not 




CHARLES T. CORNMAN 



change nere by some authority more powerful than the 
moneyed monopolizers of the commodities of life, we need 
not go among the poor of foreign nations to find scarcity of 
food. As a people we are no better th.an our foreign 
brethren. We may be richer — at the present time — but if 
we keep on wasting things by inordinate living, misguided 
economy, and without thought for next week or next 
month, we are very liable one morning to wake up hungry. 
Furthermore, statistics inform us that millions of poor 
people throughout all civilized countries can afford to eat 
meat no oftener than once a week, and many none the 



year round. Why this should be so I cannot understand. 
I do know, though, that the environments of the work- 
ing classes in the cities are daily becoming more impossible 
in the w.ay of securing food, and our country of large, free, 
and abundant America is not by any means so secure 
within itself as to be immune from possible visitations of 
disaster in many forms affecting the food supply. Once a 
nation tolerates its business integrity to become so corrupt 
that business men obstruct food from reaching a distribut- 
ing market in order to sustain an inordinate high price 
over the pretext of scarcity, and allow that food (meat and 
vegetables) to rot, while people are in want and starving, 
it is not without the bounds of reason to suppose that such 
flagrant injustice will go unpunished by the God of Na- 
tions. It is a question whether the densest heathen in any 
section of the world would pursue such tactics to punish 
an enemy. 

These remarks are not inapropos to my subject under 
consideration, from the fact that the opportunities at 
hand in the rearing of hares make it possible to offset 
much of the injustice endured by those who need meat and 
can't afford or secure it; for these little useful, and deli- 
cate morsels of flesh can be reared in most any vacant 
space from a corner on the farm to a four by eight back 
yard or cellar of a town house. The hare is thus utilized 
by the peasant and poorer classes in foreign countries, and 
there is no reason why it should not be so utilized in this 
country, and nxade a staple food in the same basis as 
beef, fowl and fish. 

Why all these arguments should be necessary in 
behalf of an industry that merits the closest recognition 
without them, is indeed strange when considered from any 
point of view — for instance; during the open season for 
"cotton tails" thousands upon thorftsands are killed by all 
manner of disagreeable and unsanitiiry means; placed on 
market, and sold at prices twice the actual value of meat 
per pound, considered even as a delicacy. Why not a far 
more desirable, cleanly, more readily obtainable .at all 
times, more nutritious, and cheaper meat produced by the 
Belgian? Observe the menu cards of hotels, restaurants, 
and other resorts of the epicure, and note lobsters, crab, 
turtle, and a dozen other disgusting .and indigestible things 
prepared a la mode at fancy prices; sirloin — 60 cents; lamb 
— 80 cents; veal — 40 cents; eggs — two for a quarter, and 
so on through the list — none better, so clean, so digestible, 
more dainty, or so cheap as the unapproachable loin of a 
seasonably prepared hare. Why is this superb meat 
overlooked, or shall I say, neglected, for no reason what- 
ever. I am sure once an intelligent acquaintance is had 
with it through the medium of judicious culinary experi- 
ment, it will become as staple as all the other meats, and 
the rearing of Belgian hares will be an industry of 
necessity. CHARLES T. CORNMAN. 

8 



Rabbit Culture and Standard 

BY 
W. F. ROTH, M. D. and CHAS. T. CORNMAN 



Breeding domestic rabbits is ac- 
•yi p complished for two purposes — 

1 ne r ancy tbat of Fancy, and Utility. For 

Fancy, implies breeding to re- 
quirements that have been for- 
mulated in accord with certain ideals, termed Standard; 
for Utility, means rearing them for market meat, and 
whatever commercial use can be made out of the fur 
and sKin. I will refer to each separately. 

Caretul search has failed to identify the term Fancy 
with that of rearing animals, nor that of fancier, unless a 
"cant name for sporting characters" can be so construed. 
The definition of the word Fancy is "to imagine;" to 
*'form in one's mind an ideal of a thing "which appeals 
to one's liking." Another definition is "the faculty by 
which the mind forms images or representations of things 
at pleasure;" and still another "taste, conception." Last 
and perhaps as near correct as any, makes it imply to like, 
to be pleased with, particularly on account of external 
pppearances. 

These definitions, it seems to me, are singularly ap- 
plicable to the pact of folk who make it their obj3Ct to 
rear animate creatures so they conform with certain pre- 
conceived ideals whose chief points are beauty, grace, use- 
fulness, and harmonious blending of physical characteris 
tics into a being as near perfect as the imagination can 
conceive. This, to my mind, is a technical Fancy, and it 
is not difficult to appreciate how interesting, attractive, 
and profitable it can be made. 

A i^ancy, too, does not stop at mere admiration, or 
liking, as I fear many follow it. One can own and admire 
a creature, and yet not be a fancier; for a Fancy, as the 
above definition embodies, means development, advance- 
ment, and persistent effort toward an objective point along 
defined lines. A life-time of useful application can be 
vouchsafed in it as reuected by the beneficial results to 
mankind from the efforts of pioneers in its various branch- 
es — the Horse; Dairy Cattle; Sheep; Swine; the uog 
and Cat; many handsome breeds of Fowls; and just 
as beautiful and useful xor Fancy and food, the Belgian 
hare and fancy Rabbit. In all these departments the 
Fancy has assumed such merit that the Department of 
Agriculture recognized the necessity for assisting by the 
organization of experiment stations for advanced study 
of the different features embodied in it. 

9 



Heretofore, the Belgian Hare and fancy Rabbit has 
not received recognition from a Government departmental 
source, but I am sure this can not remain so much longer; 
for once the commercial value of the Hare and Rabbit 
is intelligently appreciated, recognition as a national in- 
dustry must follow. Progress in this direction lies with 
the Fancy, and it is this body that must make the Utility 
subservient to it, with the fact before mind that no 
creature can be too beautiful and physically perfect for 
food purposes. 

To be a fancier, is to interest 
. _ . one's self in the principles em- 

A rancier bodied under the term Fancy, 

and as a breeder aim at their 
consummation so far as possible. 
A fancier must needs be a breeder, but a breeder is not 
always a fancier. To be a true fancier does not merely 
imply the liking ot a certain classified animate being 
known as breed, strain, or type of animal or fowl, but as 
already intimated, the knowledge of an ideal toward 
which the liking inclines to an extent that scientific effort 
is exercised in its growth for perfect attainment. This 
implies, too, a reasonable information on structural tis- 
sue; of the laws of pro-generation with regard to merits 
and defects that are influenced by heredity; and of physic- 
«»1 characteristics that classiiy the variety in question. 

To apply one's self as a fancier can be made an object 
of the highest merit in that the exercise of personal quali- 
fications which stand for honor, honesty, and business 
integrity can be placed on a par with all other occupa- 
tions that call for man's noblest principles. 

With regard to rearing Belgian 

Tli*» Nf^t^A fnr a ^^^®^ ^"^ ^^^^^ Rabbits as a 

1 uc I'leeu lor n matter of Fancy, its beauty and 

Fancy wisdom as a chosen hobby can 

not be questioned. In several 
foreign countries, notably England, the breeding of pet 
stock has become as much an industry of importance as 
that of breeding thoroughbred stock of larger animals 
for domestic use. For its production they enter into it 
with as much care as that required for a first-class speci- 
men race-horse, dairy cow, canine, or fowl. The science 
to successfully produce Belgians and fancy Rabbits of their 
present perfection is as intricate and interesting in detail 
as for the above and has advocates by way of membership 
of men and women who stand in the forefront of educa- 
tional, social, and professional station. 

Fancy Rabbits are particularly attractive in many 
ways. They are docile, useful, and exceptionally beauti- 
ful; while as a feature for relaxation from more weighty 
responsibilities no finer field is open for genuine pleasure. 

10 



They are singularly appreciative of intelligent atten- 
tion, and since their growth is rather quick, one's pleas- 
ure in seeing the fruits of one's efforts is sooner realized 
than in many creatures of other fancies. 

By way of unalloyed sportmanship no Fancy brings 
more real satisfaction than that derived from the numer- 
ous shows for friendly competition, where often the 
specimens are bred so keenly to the edge of uniform 
quality as to almost make a judge look three ways at 
once. And it pays, the Belgian and fancy Rabbit Fancy 
does; for when choice winners of any of the varieties, Bel- 
gians perhaps more essentially, fetch as high as any- 
where from $25 to $125, and win a trophy worth $50 
besides, one need not wonder why such a Fancy attracts 
good people to membership. 

I know fanciers who annually have an income from 
$200 to $1000 from tne sale of specimens for breeding 
only; and in this country prices are not one-half that 
secured for winning specimens in England. That this is 
so, is entirely the fault of the Fancy here, and on the whole 
our stock is just as good as theirs — in many respects 
better in the matter of health and stamina. 

The reader will pardon this personal introduction; 
but I have often been asked by frequent visitors to my 
rabbitry "What prices do you obtain for the general run 
of breeding specimens?" "From $5 to $*Z5 per specimen I 
have heretofore considered reasonable" is my reply. 
To show an approximate average, I will state that for 27 
there was remitted $222. 

That a Fancy can be made a nicely profitable feature 
is further qualified when I say, that the actual cost 
to rear a Belgian Hare to maturity need not exceed 80 
cents for a year's feeding when all foodstuffs have to be 
bought. Under many conditions the expense can be 
reduced to half this, so when one can secure stock of 
superior merit for such a limited outlay, and realize from 
$5 to $50 per specimen, such a Fancy commands more 
than passing notice. 

A well informed fancier and author has this to say: 
"As a Fancy the Belgian Hare and fancy Rabbit has few 
rivals which can claim such concentrated advantages, 
for, apart from the fact that each section of society is 
represented in its rank as exhibitors, the world-wide pop- 
ularity of rabbits as an article of food and commerce 
grows by leaps and bounds annually." I look forward 
with the consciousness, that wbat has become in a num- 
ber of densely populated foreign countries a Fancy and 
Industry of inestimable value to them in various ways, 
will not be long distant here. 



11 



The Rabbit is indigenous to vir- 
TU T> UU^^ tually every part of Europe and 

1 he Kabblt as a America. Australia has also a 

c_^_:^_ species of Rabbit somewhat akin 

opecies jjj ^ypg g^jjjj habits to the Amer- 

ican "Jack." 

The Kabbit is a species of quadruped separate from 
that of the Hare, nor will the two species "mix," as many 
suppose, unless in very exceptional instances. It appears, 
also, that to whatever country the Rabbit is indigenous, 
it has characteristics that differentiate from its brother 
of the same species in another; either larger or smaller, or 
of varied color markings. The same nolds true of the 
Hare in its native heath. 

The Kabbit is of the species lepus cuniculus, and the 
Hare lepus timidus, though both belong to the family rod- 
entiae — a creature with long, rat-like front gnawing teeth. 
Originally the Rabbit was introduced into Europe from 
Africa, is the prevailing opinion among zoologists, .and 
most lU^ely what is now Spain; from thence into Brittany, 
and eventually over all Europe. How long since, or rather 
in which of the earlier centuries this transpired is not def- 
initely known. 

In its gregarius habits the Rabbit also differs widely 
trom those of the Hare, and in the wild state is said to be 
monogramous. This latter trait, however, ceases with 
domestication, and either sex becomes altogether polyg- 
amous. It also differs from the Hare in that its young 
are born immature, with eyes closed and the body nude 
of hair, in a nest lined with fur pulled from the mother 
burrowed in the ground whenever possible; while those 
of the former (Hare) are born with eyes open, and body 
nicely covered, in a "form" on top of the ground. 

The fertility of the Rabbit is also proverbial, a litter 
containing anywhere from 4 to 12, while the female Hare 
rarely brings forth more than 2, and seldom as many as 4. 

An old English name for the Rabbit is cony, and its 
cognomen in many others is similar to this, as Latin 
cuniculus, Italian coniglio, German kaninclien, and Welsh 
cwningen; but the Rabbit is not the cony of Scripture. 

Each country, and in America, each state has laws 
which at this time regulate the destruction to which it 
may be subjected as game; but this point is not essential 
here. 

For domestic purposes the Rabbit has been bred to 
many varieties, and virtually so from early times. As a 
dainty morsel it has graced the table of ancient monarch 
and his humblest peasant down the ages until now, so that 
as an article of food and commerce it is recognized the 
world over. 



12 



The actual consumption of Rabbit as a food is not to- 
tally known from available statistics right now, but Eng- 
land alone uses upwards of 25,000,000 pounds annually and 
in France, Germany, and Austria, as well as Belgium and 
Holland, it is, as already remarked, largely the food of 
their peasant class. What is known as the "famous Os- 
tend Rabbit" is merely a specially reared Belgrian for cul- 
inary purposes, and occupies much the same position with 
epicures that the Canvass Back Duck does in this country. 

England has received her supply hitherto almost en- 
tirely from the colonies, notably Australia, where it was so 
abundant as to make wholesale destruction an absolute 
necessity because of menace to crops and fruit trees. I 
am informed quite recently, however, that the Australian 
species is in some danger of extermination, for it is not 
alone for food that its use extended; in fact, at first it 
was not used for this purpose at all, but for fur very exten- 
sively utilized by hat manufacturers. Because of this, 
indiscriminate slaughter was executed, so that now I am 
told by one of the largest hat makers in the world that fur 
from this source aas fallen off in supply nearly 40 per 
cent, and price consequently advanced in the same ratio. 
This same hat maker was greatly concerned, and advanced 
the suggestion that it would become an absolute necessity 
to rear fur rabbits in large numbers for both hat and 
leather uses, as well as the more inexpensive furs for wear. 
In fact, large quantities of skins are already utilized for 
the latter purpose, whiCh would seem to suggest a field for 
unusual profit when managed with a view to producing a 
specially grown article of superior "wool" merit and wear- 
ing qualities. I am convinced that this can be done. 



U 



The Flemish Giant 

.iS the name implies, this is the largest of all vari- 
ecies of rabbits. By reason of its size the meat for food 
purposes is not as fine grained as that of its more 
classic rivals, the Silver and Belgian; but o^^ the whole 
is quite desirable from the fact that it does not require 
many months to reach the same equivalent in weight 
which others attain only at maturity. Its meat is there- 
fore all the more tender and appetizing. 

The origin of the Flemish is somewhat obscure, but 
late in the '60's or early in the '70's, there was developed 
in Holland and Belgium a cross-bred rabbit that was given 
the name "Leporine." Later this was introduced into 
England, and here is what one author says about it: "Since 
Leporines so-called were introduced into this country they 
have been bred continuously, but with distinct and differ- 
ent objects — in the one for size, and in the other osten- 
sibly to develop a rabbit of the form, color, and fur of the 
wild Hare. The larger race has bf m called Patagonian, 
but is now recognized in a different type as the Flemish 
Giant." 

It is of course, then, a "made" rabbit, which accounts, 
no doubt, for the difficulty encountered by fanciers to breed 
reliable markings. 

By reason of its immense size, the Flemish can with- 
out prejudice be named King of fancy Rabbits. Speci- 
mens have been produced that were said to weigh 20 
pounds, while the average weight of Standard bred stock 
«hould be at least from 14 to 16 lor females, and 12 to 15 
for males. 

Whether this can be attained by American methods 
under the environment and climatic conditions peculiar to 
this country, remains to be seen. 

If one can not, cr does not caro to, breed this vari- 
ety for Fancy, it is of excellent utility use. The mother 
being large, naturally has more nourishment for her young 
than a smaller variety; so that by a bit of attention to 
feeding her offspring can be made to weigh near 4 pounds 
at six weeks, and at 3 months will reach 6 pounds. One 
fancier informed me that he has grown them to 8 pounds, 
and some 9 at 3 14 months old. In such event, the Flem- 
ish should prove decidedly profitable as a market proposi- 
tion. 

IN all my remarks with reference 

to the different varieties, I shall 

Mating . speak of them in the light of 

being thoroughbred stock. I am 

not in favor of mongrelism for 

any purpose, and all the less so in any living thing that is 

utilized for either food or Fancy use. The methods sug- 

14 



gested are therefore done so with a view to qualify for 
Standard requirements, and the breeder can so apply them 
whether rearing stock for show or market purpose. 

When getting ready to mate, look over the stock with 
care and see that all intended specimens are sound and of 
good coat. Consider size and evenness of color with par- 
ticular criticism. 

For utility, no particular rule for mating is essential 
other, perhaps, than size and health, and it has been 
experienced that nice, dark bucks mated to "smoky" does 
will produce the largest stocK as to frame and weight. 
For show purposes, however, matters are considerably 
different. 

Each specimen must be made an individual study 
with a view to fight against every fault that should not 
appear in an exhibition entry. One must pair up for 
length of frame and massiveness, and to this end select 
specimens as near Standard in points of merit as one has 
them. Any defect in one of a pair always appears liable 
to show itself with more emphasis than a desirable point, 
so that it is all the more important to select breeders of 
perfect body, good ears well set on, nice large eyes, 
straight and strong limbs, perfect set tail, massive and 
firm body as near of the steel grey color as possible. 
Mate dark steel greys, if one has them; but if there is 
ruddiness in one of the mates, it must not be on the male 
side. A black or intensely dark steel buck mated to a ruddy 
doe, usually gives good results; for in breeding Flemish 
it appears necessary to frequently fall back on black to 
maintain the essential dark tinge for true steel color 
effect. 

A black buck mated to a light steel grey doe will 
reproduce dark steel greys, and a dark steel grey buck 
mated to a black doe will result in a shade that seldom 
fails to attract a knowing judge. 

(Here the matter of in-breeding, cross-breeding, with 
the introduction of new blood into one's strain, as well as 
the originating of a strain, might be properly discussed; 
but since this reasoning applies virtually the same in all 
varieties, I will refer the reader to this section under 
Belgian Hares, where considerable attention is given the 
subject. — Author. ) 

THE period of gestation is 31 
days, and if it varies more than 
Littering ^ ^^^ longer, or two at most, 

there is something wrong. The 
doe will begin building her nest, 
and pull fur to line it with, any time from 10 to 3 days 
before due to kindle, so that it is necessary for her to have 
material for the purpose such as short hay or straw scatt- 
ered about the hutch. 

16 



Have the nest box so situated, if possible, that one can 
look into it without moving out of place, and sufficiently 
roomy for the doe to have free movements within so as to 
obviate danger of trampling the young. And I will say 
here, that Flemish require larger quarters in general than 
any other variety, because of their size. Plenty room 
means better success with them. 

A few days before the doe is due to kindle have before 
her continually a dish of clean, fresh water. Many 
does become feverish at this time, and will not infre- 
quently destroy their young if the desire for water can not 
be satisfied beforehand. This would be unfortunate, and 
occasionally it genders the desire for blood to the extent 
of making cannibals out of them with every subsequent 
litter. 

After the doe has kindled, look over the nest and see 
if any dead are among them. If so, remove these with 
as little disturbance as possible, at the same time divert- 
ing the mother doe's attention away from the nest with 
Bome tempting grreens or other delicacy. 

The matter of permitting a doe to bring up an entire 
brood is for the breeder to decide, but best results will 
eventuate by leaving no more than 6 at most. Above 
this number calls for extra attention with food and care. 

I know not a few who have succeeded in bringing up 
litters of 9, 10, and 11, one instance of which turned out 
every one a prize winner. But as a matter of Fancy, few 
fanciers permit a doe to rear more than 4, fostering the 
remainder with a doe bred at the same time, or destroy- 
ing the smaller ones out of a batch. 

With Flemish it is desirable to attain as rapid and as 
much growth from the first day on one can, and the more 
young there are in a nest, the more each will hinder the 
other's development. It is only a matter of several days, 
also, until there is a tyrant in the lot who preempts more 
than his individual share. 

Flemish can already in the nest from the first day 
be quite well selected for quality as to prospective Stand- 
ard points, like this — steel greys are known by their pink 
bellies and dark backs, while the blacks are virtually one 
shade on back and belly alike. What will turn out as 
light greys will have decided pink bellies, the tinge of 
which spreads well up the sides. 

During the time a doe is suckling her young, an 
excellent dish to help growth is a sop of bread and 
sweet milk in connection with the evening mess. This is 
also an ideal "conditioner" for the young after leaving the 
nest u^ to 6 weeks old. 

With regard to feeding generally, each fancier seems 
t© have a method he personally thinks best. Some do 
quite well, while otkers have less success; but I am safe 

16 



in saying that more rabbits are lost from injudicious and 
too frequent overfeeding, than from insufficient and less 
frequent. 

Flemish are fed along similar lines as Belgians, to 
which exhaustive chapter I refer the reader. And just 
bear in mind continually that this variety is the largest 
rabbit, and therefore requires approximately more food. 

CLEANLINESS is just as essen- 
Par«» stnA AtfAn tial for the maintenance of 

V^are ana /\uen- bealthy stock as regularity and 

tion quality of feeding. 

To render one's stock a pleas- 
ure and profit one must have no smaller measure of enthu- 
siasm, which implies, that what is worth doing at all is 
worth doing well, as some moralist has it. No man can 
be a true fancier or successful breeder and make a name 
for himself unless he diffuses enthusiasm throughout his 
hobby. Every creature reared for man's pleasure and 
benefit must be made comfortable if its most perfect 
physical characteristics are to be expected. 

For instructions regarding care and attention of stock, 
I refer the reader to that laid down for Belgians. 

I HERE append a schedule of 
I * f ( \A/ ' Kf weights that are possible for 

List Ol WeigntS Flemish to attain from correct 

methods of care and feeding: 

1 Month 2 lbs. 6 oz. 

2 Months, 3 lbs. 12 oz. 

3 Months 6 lbs. 6 oz. 

4 Months, 8 lbs. 8 oz. 

5 Months 9 Its. 8 oz. 

6 Months, 10 lbs. 8 oz. 

12 Months 13 to 15 lbs. 

and as they advance to 15 and 18 months, their weight 
should be that of fully matured specimens — 15 to Ih 
pounds. 

It must be remembered that bucks are rarely as large 
as does, and the Standard is very liberal when it places the 
qualifications for weight as low as "no less than 11 pounds 
for bucks, and 13 pounds for does." 

WHEN one desires to exhibit at 
To Preoare for shows with the hope of winn- 

*^ ing prizes, some special atten- 

ShowS tion to stock beforehand is nec- 

essary and if several consecu- 
tive exhibitions are scheduled one must not forget that 
such journeys with their incident "wear and tear" will be 
a severe tax on the constitutional stamina of finely bred 

17 



specimens. Many an excellent rabbit has been destroyed 
by overshowing, or insufficient attention connected with 
the journey. And we have no short distances of shipment, 
either, nor do the express companies run special cars for 
exhibits of this sort. Reading over the excellent show re- 
ports by our English fancier friends, I was often amused 
at the concern that occupies them with regard to distances, 
which at most is rarely beyond 200 miles, and seldom 
above 50. Here we are obliged to consider time rather 
than distance, and very seldom, except with small local 
shows, that less than 600 miles are involved. 

Make careful selection of the specimens intended for 
exhibition, and, say 4 or 5 days before date of shipping, 
place each separately in a coop as near the size to be 
occupied at the show as one can arrange, and something 
within about 10 degrees as warm as one would think the 
show room to be. This consideration is quite necessary, 
and all the more so when stock has been open-air reared, 
The fact that rabbits are fur animals, and thus quite 
densely clothed, seldom finds thought in the heads of show 
committees, who more often place such exhibits in steam 
heated rooms than a proper environment. 

Coops containing exhibits must be kept scrupulously 
clean so as to obviate all danger of soiling the fur. which 
should every morning be liberally sprinkled with talcum 
powder, nicely tousled through as to get near the skin, 
and then combed and brushed until the powder is all 
worked out. First two days use a wire brush, and sub- 
sequently a medium soft bristle. Use no water or cos- 
metics of any kind unless there is some disease of the 
skin that needs attention. Under the chin and belly 
stroke the fur with a small round stick shaped like a baton 
or drum-stick. This will bring out contour to the head 
and body, and acquaint the specimens with the pose 
exnected by the judge. This attention must be applied 
only to bucks of the Flemish variety, and not to does. 
The latter must be stroked entirely by hand, and the dew- 
lap gently manipulated so as to assume correct position 
and shape — evenly placed beneath the chin. 

There is a popular notion that raw egg fed to a fur 
animal will produce "sleek coat." and that gunnowder fed 
to a horse will increase his action. Now while many of 
these "notions" appear amusing, and often quite worthless, 
chere are others, withal, that have more practical sense 
than humor; for in the above there exists no small phys- 
iological virtue. Egg, we know, is rich in albumen, and 
gunpowder in the necessary reconstructive elements — car- 
bon, potash, nitrate, phosphorus, and sulphur, which enter 
into tissue construction of which nerve and muscle is 
mad« up. 

18 



Raw egg can be given in the form of flip, which is 
made by beating one in a cup of sweet milk, add a tea- 
spconful sugar,, and two I tablespoons of Sherry wine or 
brandy. If the animal will not eat this out of a dish, it can 
be given by spoon or pipette. 

Whole wheat added to oats is also excellent a few days 
before showing. It is rich in gluten, and this latter puts 
"bloom" on the fur. 

After return from the show, an egg-flipp is again a 
good "pick me up" for the effects of wear. 

Have the shipping coops sufl^ciently roomy so as not 
to crowd, floor well littered with saw dust or chaff, and 
ventilation for comfort. 

IT IS not by any means essential 
to keep rabbits in fancy quarters, 
The Rabbitry so that the outlay in this direc- 

tion need not necessarily be in 
one's way to become a fancier 
and breeder. True, when one has taste for something a 
bit out of the ordinary, bunny will appear all the prettier 
in a finished house, and perhaps a trifle more comfortable 
than in a mere store box; but that he cannot be success- 
fully reared in the latter has been demonstrated other- 
wise. l<iemish, of course require a more roomy home 
than any other variety, yet because of their docile dis- 
position and general hardiness, will do well where others 
perhaps require more attention. 

Show specimens, however, need more room than is 
required for utility breeding so as to keep fur and phys- 
ical condition persistently on edge. 

It is always advisable to have at least something of 
a run outside the coop, even if it has to be limited, for a 
rabbit is not congenial when obliged to remain contin- 
ually where her nest is. If one can so locate the quarters 
that an occasional run in the open can be arranged, this 
will do wonders toward the maintenance of health — and 
how the native instinct becomes apparent during such 
runs, is a real pleasure to see. 

I have seen rabbits reared succpssfully in boxes no 
larger than 2x2x4, and I have seen them die by the dozen 
when kent in such quar+'^rs. Close confinement means 
close attention. As with all creatures, exercise is a 
large factor toward keening them well; hence the more 
room one has available to give comfort from this source, 
the more likely will one's hobby prove worth while. 

For complete details concerning plans, dimensions, and 
additional ideas about hutches, see Belgian chapter. 

19 



Standard for Flemish Giants 

Points. 

Size and Weight — Bucks no less than 11 pounds. 
Does no less than 13 pounds. 
Size considered irrespective of weight, 30 

Color — Dark steel grey, even or wavy ticking over en- 
tire body; head, ears, chest, and feet alike. 
Belly, and under part of tail, pure white 20 

Body — Large, roomy, and flat, with broad fore and 
hind quarters. 
Does to have dewlap, evenly carried, 15 

Legs and Feet — Strong in bone, large and straight, 

color of them to match that of body, 15 

Head and Ears— Head large, full, and shapely, with 
large bold eye of dark brown color. 
Ears moderately thick, carried neatly 
erect. Head and ears to match body color, 10 

Condition — Full, short coat, flesh firm, healthy 10 



100 



ANY grey, steel, sandy, or other 
shade on the belly or under tail. 
Disqualifications except a streak of grey in each 

groin. Sandy, brown, or red col- 
or mixed through the body fur. 
Inferior size, crooked legs, barred feet, screw tails, lopped 
ears, camel backs, and small narrow heads, or heads en- 
tirely too "bull-shaped." 

I will also add, that there is no small tendency for 
Flemish to throw a ruddybrown color shade; and while 
stock of this tinge usually has the making of large speci- 
mens that will do well for utility use, as show exhibits 
they are absolutely worthless in the eyes of an expert 
judge. 

To breed true and harmonious steel grey is no easy 
matter, and the correct Standard shade; or rather, per- 
manent color is rarely apparent in its perfect tone until 
completing the second molt. 



20 




Pi 
c 

►J 

>^ 

O 
O 



The Lop Ear 



AS A fancy variety, the Lop has 

made itself decidedly popular, 

The Lop a'ld while perhaps not so much 

so in this country as in England 

and Germany, it has, withal, 

many admirers. Its principal characteristic is the large 

ears for which it is noted, and specimens of enormous 

proportions have been produced in recent years. Instances 

are recorded with an earage of 27^4 by TV4,, and a weight 

of 12 pounds. Because of this immense earage, however, 

its breeding for purposes other than Fancy is not so 

desirable as that of less bothersome varieties. 

FOR show purposes the Lop has 
two classifications — one for en- 
EafS tries of classified length, and 

the other for any length. For 
the former, classification usually 
exceeds 24 inches, to any possible limit beyond this; while 
in the latter no specification is made, and these specimens 
are judged perhaps more for universal quality than ear- 
age alone. 

Measurement of the ears is taken from one extremity 
across the head to the other, and the width of one ear 
must be at least one-quarter of the total; that is, if the 
earage is 24 inches, the width of one ear must be 6 inches. 

There is also a characteristic pendancy to the ears 
when in natural sitting pose that must be looked for in 
well bred lops, which is due to a correct juncture of their 
roots with the cranium. This is an important point, and 
means that an ideal specimen has the contour of head 
over its highest portion where it joins the first (cervical) 
bone of the neck so adjusted as to compel the ears to sus- 
p-^nd uniform, and gracefully curved .around their convex * 
distension, without collapsing appreciably in any place 
except wnere touching the floor. 

WHEN the head is posed as just 

described, it gives position to 

Pose and Shape the anlm.al throughout, a point 

that qualifies for Standard merit. 

This will naturally approximate 

the fore legs beside each other from elbow to toes, so they 

are evenly paired under the rounded breast, and not much 

more than foot-length visible; neck rather sharply curved 

so as to start the back-curve from shoulder junction in a 

■niform, almost half circle, free from projections, to th« 

root of the tail— "in the buck rather straighter in saddle 

•■tline." 



The hind legs are uniformly straight by the side of 
the body, toes not pointing away nor toward it, and 
iiat on the floor from knee-joint forward, altogether "hump- 
ing" the body between two strongly outlined shanks so as 
to make it appear almost balanced in the middle or them. 

UNLIKE the Belgian and several 

other varieties. Lops are bred to 

Color no specific color, unless solid 

blacks can be so identified. They 

are represented in sooty, fawn, 

white, grey, yellow or modified buff, blue, and self; or in 

broken colors of yellow-and-white, grey-and-white, blue- 

and white, or black-and-white. 

In the distribution of these colors there should be 
some appreciable regularity in that they are not to smear 
into one another, while "the saddle should be entirely 
self, the markings breaking at the shoulders." 

THE head "has a star or blaze 

on the forehead; but its chieny 

Butterfly marked feature is the butterfly, 

a marking which, while it leaves 

the nose with no trace of white, 

is broken on the outline, resembling this beautiful insect." 

This singular resemblance is physically due to the 

characteristic anatomy of a Lop head— the rounded, later- 

al-and-forward convex nose; conspicious eye brows, and 

rather broad appearing forehead formed by the root of 

the ears. 

All these points enter into classic breeding of this 
variety. 

THERE is nothing special about 

the eye of a Lop other than it 

£ygS should be sound and attentive. 

But I will add, there belongs 

yet something that makes it 

decidedly characteristic of this variety of fancy Rabbit. 

The inordinate size of those pendant ears demand an 

anatomical adjustment of muscle and cartilage about the 

cranium that creates more or less corrugaticn around the 

eyes, which causes a singular droll expression quite 

typical of the Lop. It is an appearance of earnest effort 

to keep the eyes open in spite of those large ears. 

MUST be perfectly straight, and 
"carried well up the body, with- 
'Yq.W out any suspicion of a twist." 

To carry the tail side-wise does 
not imply a twist in it, nor is it 
necessarily a disqualification when the specimen is other- 
wise meritorious. 

22 



w 

> 
o 

> 

o 

a 
I— t 

H 

t?d 

t-" 
O 




AS remarked, the object of breed- 
ing Lops is virtually alone for 
Breeding their earage, and there has been 

considerable contention among 
fanciers just where success 
comes from — correct strain, or correct attention. Argu- 
ments of intense warmth and no smail acrimony have been 
freely exchanged on this point, but I am reasonably cer- 
tain, that if the strain is not endowed with inherent pro- 
pensity to procreate well developed ears, there is small 
chance for meritorious success. 

The matter of artificial heat will, without doubt, also 
accentuate growth of ear; and when natural weather temp- 
erature is below 70 degrees within, the quarters become 
a necessity, notwithstanding all arguments to the con- 
trary. 

One prominent English authority insists that it is 
impossible to produce earage beyond 24 inches without 
artificial heat, but we must bear in mind that there is a 
marked difference in climate between our country and 
that of England, and that warm days are not so many 
there as with us. Tnat artificial heat is extensively used 
by European fanciers is a fact, but whether it is a judicious 
procedure for the welfare of the breed is a question. 

For the mere purpose of Fancy and general admira- 
tion, one can derive virtually as much pleasure from the 
"any length' class^say, 20 to 25 inch earage — as for 
extra length. The latter is largely a fad. 

With regard to mating, care, feed, and general atten- 
tion, the breeding of Lops does not differ essentially from 
that of other varieties, other than added care for the ears, 
which persistently hang on the floor. For this particular 
it is necessary that the quarters be kept clean continually, 
and the floor well covered with clean bedding of sawdust 
and chaff, straw, or nay. A dirty fioor will soon bring on 
disease of the ears, and once this takes hold in a flock 
there is no end of trouble. 

FOR obvious reasons, it is not de- ' 

sirable that nest boxes are giv- 

Littering en the expectant mother doe. 

If the general habits of a Lop 

are considered, along with the 

preponderant ears, it will be plain that the more room a 

doe has, the better able will she be to care for the young. 

All she requires, therefore, is sufficient material with 

which to build a comfortable nest in one corner of her 

coop, along with the wool she will take from the body to 

line it. 

After kindling, see that no dead ones are among the 
litter, and for reasons of success, reduce the latter to no 
more than four. I would suggest a foster mother rather 

23 



than destroying them, particularly so when one has a 
reliable strain for earage; for it often happens that those 
from which the least is expected turn out best in the end. 

It is simply astonishing with what rapidity the ears 
of a young Lop will push for length. An old fancier who 
has bred this interesting variety for many years informed 
me, that if the quality of a specimen is not apparent by 
length of ear in 10 weeks from birth, there is small pur- 
pose in bothering further with it. He tells me that he 
has often measured the ears of a youngster on an evening, 
and by the following morning there was an additional 2 
inches in length. One would scarcely believe this possible 
but I have not the least reason for doubting this fancier's 
word. This qualification implies, that an earage upwards 
of 20 and 22 inches must show at the end of 10 weeks, and 
that further length is very limited. 

1 have often seen it in print that many practice "pull- 
ing the ears" to accentuate length; and on the other hand 
the accusation was also denied. Whether true or not, 
this practice should be condemned — with punishment, 
if necessary. 

THERE are now two standards by 

Standard for r'^i^^ ^^^.^ .y^^^fty is judged- 

for the Limit Classes, and Any 
Lops Length Classes. The former has 

special significance for earage, 
while the latter considers the specimens as a whole. 

points 

Limit Classes: Ear length 15 

Ear widta, 15 

Substance & Shape, 5 

Shape & Carriage 10 

Color & Markings 15 

Condition, 10 

Straight feet & Tail 10 

Eye, 10 

Size • 10 

100 

A«y Length: Ear length 25 

Ear width 20 

Substance & Shape 5 

Straight feet & Tail 10 

Color & Markings, 10 

Condition 10 

Shape 5 

Bye 10 

SiEc 5 



24 



Varieties of Domestic Rabbits 

Many varieties of rabbits have been "made" by do- 
mestic breeding, and here follow the more prominently 
recognized by fanciers: Flemish Giant, Lop, Dutch, An- 
gora, Himalayan, Polish, English, Siberian; the Silver 
in Grey, Fawn, Blue, and Brown; the Tan in Blue and 
Black; the Havana, Imperial, Selfs, and leading all, the 
Belgian Hare. 



The Dutch Rabbit 

By many this is claimed as the handsomest variety 
of all domestic rabbits, and with considerable justification. 

The Dutch is not as popular in this country as in 
England and Germany, though it is making friends fast. 

There is about this variety a certain fascination that 
ought appeal in particular to fanciers with a critical eye, 
for its color markings are such as to make a scientific 
breeding an absolute necessity. 

It has been said that Dutch are "hard to raise;" but 
why more so than other varieties has not been made clear, 
to my satisfaction at least. Were such the case, it is 
likely the trouble lies with the breeder rather than in the 
breed. 

The Dutch is not a large rabbit compared with domes- 
tic rabbits in general. Standard qualifications want it 
comparatively small; so if there is any lack of stamina in 
the breed, it is possibly owing to a persistent effort at 
keeping down weight, accentuated also, by close in-breed- 
ing. 

COLOR markings of this variety 
are characteristic and very pro- 
Color nounced, one color being always 

white, and the other either black, 
blue, tortoise-shell, or a type of 
steel grey. The solid colors must be typical of the parts 
they cover, and distinctly separated from the white. 
Neither shall smear into the other, and both must be en- 
tirely free from foreign hairs. Fancy value of a specimen 
depends altogether on the perfect markings thus char- 
acterized. 

White must be the marking of shoulders, fore legs 
and feet, under jaw and nose upward to between the ears, 
forming a distinct blaze. About two inches of the hind 
legs from toes upward is also white. Solid color covers 
the saddle from short ribs back all but the hind feet, and 
its junction with the white must be as clean cut a line 
of demarkation "like a string about the waist." Both 
sides of the face, jowls and ears, are of the same solid 
color, just as evenly separated from the white. 

THE biggest contention associated 
_, J. with breeding this variety lies in 

Dreeding persistently keeping down size, 

and maintaining solidity for the 
two color markings. Owing to a 
lack of enthusiasm and interest in the breed for a time 
these points became seriously defective, but renewed life 

26 




o 

H 
Q 



in the Fancy has in the past eight years largely overcome 
this trouble, and if present devotion is any criterion, it 
will not be long until the variety will again come to its 
own in the family of admired pets. 

To breed high quality Dutch there is but one road to 
real success — that of establishing a reliable strain. 

Start right, and the battle is near half won in the 
knowledge of personal results that relate to points of 
merit or demerit. 

The greatest contention is to overcome a propensity 
for foreign hairs and splotches in solid markings, notably 
on the sides and flanks; specks in the eyes, or distinct 
discoloration; and white inside the ears. 

When mating it is advisable to use breeding stock that 
has maintained solid markings after its second molt. In- 
telligent attention to ihis factor has been a leading guide 
to the establishment of permanency in markings; and 
largely, also, for physical characteristics in general. 

The breeders whose success I have noticed as most 
pronounced, mated either a second molt buck to younger 
does, or a two-year old to yearling females. Greatest 
stress was laid on color characteristics in the male, while 
the females were selected more for inferior size; thus, 
as near as possible, equalizing points for both color and 
weight. 

Physically, the Dutcn of whatever markings, is a 
beautiful rabbit when rightly bred. It should be neither 
racy nor cobby, but a graceful medium to which there is 
sufficient length that does away with pudginess. Never 
to grow above 5% pounds, size and grace should be har- 
moniously proportioned to make an ideal. The ears are 
perhaps a trifle on the small side comparative to spec- 
imen. 

As to markings, these are so well outlined in the 
young when born, that one need not waste effort in bring- 
ing up what will likely turn out worthless ones. I am 
alluding to the line of demarkation separating the colors. 
If this line is ragged or irregular, colors will show the 
same when fur is grown out. 

STANDARD weight for show pur- 
poses is 5 pounds, and not over 

Feedinfi ^'^'^' ^^^^^^ *^^® must keep in 

^ mind continually that overfeed- 

ing conduces to overweight. In 
fact, they do not seem to require as much as a few other 
varieties of the same size to keep in good condition; and 
BO far as the nature of food required, there is no essen- 
tial difference with that of other breeds— with the excep- 

27 



tion, perhaps that not quite as free a supply of greens be 
allowed. This latter conduces to a disease known as 
scours. 

EVERYONE will readily under- 
stand, that a small variety of 
Quarters rabbit does not require so much 

room as a large. The quarters 
should be comfortable, clean for 
the sake of color as well as health, and sufficiently high 
no allow tree jumping exercise. 

To keep down weight by exercise is far more desir- 
ous than doing so by stinting food. Exercise and air 
make for vigor and "blooming" fur. 

Standard 

Points 

Blaze and Cheeks 15 ^ 

Clean neck, 10 

Saddle, 10 

Undercutj 10 

Feet-stops 15 

Ears 10 

Eyes, 5 

Color 10 

Size, Shape & Condition 15 



100 

Points 

Negative Small specks on eyes, ..to lose 10 

Points: Discolored, or wall eyes, .to lose 20 

Distinct spots, or flesh marks. . 20 

Over 5% lbs. in weight 20 

7« 



n 




< 

o 

o 

w 

H 

t-H 



The Angora Rabbit 

In this country, the Angora has been heretofore an ex- 
clusively ornamental variety. It makes one of the most 
attractive pets one may wish, and in the show pen one 
of the finest exhibits. 

In several European countries, notably France, this 
variety is reared quite extensively for its fur as a source 
of income by the peasant folk — furriers buying all that is 
rendered. 

As a matter of information I will mention here, that 
one rabbit is estimated to furnish "wool" at a value of 5 to 
7 francs per year, or approximately 20 fr. for three 
years, atter which it is considered worthless by reason of 
the "wool" becoming too coarse, and is then consigned to 
the peasant's food supply. One specimen is "pulled" twice 
each season, much after the method our forefathers em- 
ployed to secure down from geese. 

To us hurrying and much-wanting Americans this 
source of income would scarcely appeal right now; but 
permit me to prognosticate, that time is not far distant 
when breeding rabbits for fur purpose will become an ac- 
tual necessity— unless the wearer of fur and felt hats 
gradually affiiliates nimself with some sort of inferior 
substitute. Of this I have been assured by one of the 
largest manufacturers of felt hats in this country, and he 
qualifies his assumption by saying that "it will be but 
a few years from now for us to see rabbit farms in every 
community." 

This would seem to bring the Angora forward as a 
desirable rabbit along these lines — essentially so for cross 
purposes with other varieties to attain the most advan- 
tageous fur. 

Among a batch of mongrel rabbits I saw shipped some 
time since to a New York commission house, was a speci- 
men apparently the result of mating a near Angora with 
a part Belgian. The singularly beautiful fur attracted my 
attention, and by looking it over carefully, was impressed 
with the possibility of what the hat industry opened to 
one who would give scientific attention toward the attain- 
ment of a species of fur rabbit for this purpose — possibly 
from cross-mating thoroughbred Belgians, Angoras, and 
Silver Greys. 

AS REMARKED, for purposes of 

Fancy the Angora is very attrac 

For Fancy Uve, and makes an ideal pet. It 

is perhaps the most docile of all 

varieties, tolerating whatever 

handling is required to keep it so with entire freedom. 

Because of its long and delicate fur, it must of neces- 
sity be brought up in positively clean quarters. Constant 

29 



disinfection must be applied to keep them so, and it must 
be remembered at the same time that all animals and 
creatures with long "wool" are ready carriers of disease 
germs. 

In its most perfectly developed form the Angora re- 
sembles a puffy ball of show, with the head almost hidden 
within its fleece. The longer and finer in texture its wool, 
the higher its valiie as a Fancy specimen. Wiry type of 
fur is not desired nor correct, while a tendency for it to 
mat appears an evidence of high quality. 

It is bred, of course, mostly in white, though recently 
some effort is being made to bring out what are expected 
to be blacks and blues. These latter have created quite 
some controversy among their fanciers antagonistic to 
several judges who passed on them with considerable ques- 
tion — rather in the light of sports "in smoky color" than a 
bred up variety of true shade. The fur of blacks and 
blues has been found, also, to modify with each successive 
molt to an extent that one is scarcely distinguishable from 
the other. 

OUT of the 100 points called by 
Standard requirements, 55 are 
Breeding demanded for quantity, quality, 

and length of wool. This should 
indicate to the intelligent fancier 
along what lines specimens ought to be selected to repro: 
duce these qualities; and since the procreative functions 
are always more pronounced in the male, it becomes 
essential that this side of the line is well balanced. In no 
instance of breeding live stock am I in favor of feminine 
characteristics to preponderate in tne male, but when mat- 
ing Angoras for the particular qualifications above men- 
tioned, I am positive that femininity on the fructifying side 
will produce best results. A coarse male rarely fails to 
reproduce coarse effects in both body and fur of his off- 
spring. True, have the female as fine and nure of fur as 
available, but rather let size and front furnishing be the 
preponderating characteristics. 

Tufts on the ears are also an essential show quality, 
and should preponderate in the male. 

MANY an otherwise oualified spec- 
imen has failed to win, simply 
Grooming because it was carelessly groom- 

ed, or not at all; and to groom 
properly is a matter of no small 
attention. 

The exceeding fineness in texture of fur indicates that 
the skin is compactly covered with almost microsconic 
hair follicles, and to be in any way rough to these with 
coarse brush, comb, or confections, possibly, means a coat 
that will eventuate into coarseness. First essential, then. 

30 



td 
o 

> 
a 

a 
I— I 

O 

o 




is to keep the skin clean and healthy from the day youngs- 
ters begin to show Angora wool type. For some months 
this is not a bothersome attention, providing the quarters 
are kept clean and well bedded with shavings or fine hay. 
An abundance of the latter will do wonders by merely sift- 
ing through the fur, but to accustom the ball of wool to 
handling, and nurture the tender skin so its covering re-, 
mains soft and fluffy, occasional brushing with a freely 
flexible wire brush, followed by a medium bristled hair 
brush, is desirable. At any rate, do not permit the coat 
to mat. But should this happen, and the specimen is 
desired for exhibition purpose, a genuine shampoo be- 
comes necessary. Whatever one fails to do, under no 
circumstances fail in preventing vermin getting into the 
coat of an Angora; for here is trouble that becomes very 
real once it has a start. 

To prepare a specimen for exhibition, one's object 
must be to have tne skin and fur virgin white and clean, 
which is best accomplished by means of a shampoo and 
dry brush. 

Select a warm place, say, 7.5 to 80 degrees, and water 
of at least 98 to 104. Apply the shampoo with the wool 
scruffed "wrong way," use gentle rubbing, and then wash 
off with clean warm water, followed by a rub-down from a 
soft Turkish towel. Before the fur is altogether dry, dash 
through it a bit of good Bay Rum, then finish. When 
brushed well, muss up the fluff and sprinkle through it 
borated talcum powder, which is in turn thoroughly gotten 
out by liberal brushing "in every direction" until the wool 
is woozly soft as the driven snow. There is no danger 
of the specimen taking cold if these directions are observ- 
ed. Just be sure the fur and skin is entirely dry, and 
when Bay Rum and talcum is applied its pores are effectu- 
ally protected. 

I have often been asked what to do for the removal 
of brassiness and stains, and "what to apply to make a 
pelt pure white?" If brassiness is not inherent with the 
strain, and stains nave not remained too long, a shampoo 
is usually sulficient. But remember, there is a vast differ- 
ence in brassiness acquired from environment and that of 
heredity, and in a properly cared Angora ought not to 
show. 

Standard 

Points 

Quality of wool 30 

Length & Quantity 25 

Front Furnishing, 10 

Ears— tufted 10 

Size & Shape 15 

Condition, 10 

100 
31 



The Himalayan 

In Europe this variety of rabbit is reared in consider 
able quantity for its fur, and many fashionable women 
carry pelts with the belief that they arv^ wearing beau- 
tiful ermine. 

The Himalayan is one of the handsomest species of 
domestic rabbit that can be desired, and beside being an 
ideal pet, brings real satisfaction to the critical fancier 
in the breeding of it for classic points. It is worthy 
of a stronger position in the Fancy than it now occupies. 

By way of description it has a beautiful white coat 
of short, fine, flossy fur, soft as down, and looks at one 
with droll, attentive pink eyes. The nose, ears, tail, and 
four feet are deep chocolate black, a beautiful contrast 
to the white dress over all. If these black points are 
deep and dense, and nicely even separated from the 
white, a specimen becomes all the more enhanced in value. 

The young when born are white entirely, but about a 
month old the dark extremities begin to come out gradu- 
ally, and at four months their development is complete. 

A singular peculiarity about this variety is the 
anomaly of their black points growing lighter on exposure 
in the sun, and for this reason their breeding should be 
conducted in hutches with subdued light. In-door quart- 
ers would therefore appear best adapted for successful 
effect, and which, on account of the delicate fur. must bo 
kept scrupulously clean. 

In size a specimen should not exceed 5 pounds, and 
in general physical outlines conforms harmoniously with 
that of Dutch. Ears are neat, small comparatively, and 
black to the roots. No dewlap. White fur entirely free 
from blemishes of alien color. 

To make all salient points clear with regard to rear- 
ing this variety successfully, I will quote verbatim how 
a reliable breeder says in "'Fur and Feather" he goes 
about it: "Allow the young to remain with the doe until 
they are 8 or 9 weeks old. If you take them away before, 
they will in all probability stop growing, and a young 
Himalayan must keep on growing until it has got all its 
points cleared. 

"With regard to mating, the question of relationship 
does not concern me so much as fitness from the stand- 
point of increasing points of excellence, and correcting 
faults. I never trouble about how closely they are re- 
lated, providing they are perfectly sound and robust. 
Never on any account in-breed from stock tainted with 
any kind of disease, or regret is sure to follow. For my 

32 



> 
> 

> 




part I like stock closely in-bred, because it keeps your 
operations more closely confined. (Of this theory associ- 
ated with breeding the English fancier is virtually ob- 
sessed. I will refer to it in the chapter on Belgians. 
— Author.) These are the lines I work on, and I feel sure 
a great many oi the most successful breeders of live stock 
have done the same. 

"As to feeding, I never found that Himalayans wanted 
treating any different to other kinds of exhibition rabbits, 
only perhaps, that you should not give them quite as 
much green food, and not change it quite so often or so 
suddenly, as they are very subject to looseness. In 
very hot weather let them by all means have a drink of 
cooling water; but don't leave it in the hutches that they 
knock it over, for this soils them, and spoils the color of 
the feet. 

"And now I must get to feeding. Some Himalayan 
fanciers swear by hard feed and some by soft, but I don't 
stick to either. I just give them a nice change as often 
as I think good for them, and if I find a rabbit does not 
care for the food I am giving, I take it away and give 
something it does like. Oats and wheat are the staple 
food for breeding stock and growing youngsters, but when 
preparing tnem for exhibition I like soft food, because I 
can then mix together various kinds of food of an oily 
nature, and this keeps them on the move, and the molt. 
As soon as I have got their points clean, however, I give 
them hard feed, and three times a week some bean and 
pea meal, just to tighten them up and get them in fine 
condition. 

"I have referred to food of an oily nature, but this in 
no way gives them color, which must be bred for, though 
it gives their dense points a luster which is so fascinating, 
and which a judge likes. Some of the oily foods I used 
were linseed and molassine meal, whilst I have also used 
with great success a mixture of cod-liver oil and lime 
water — the lime water taking away the fishy taste from 
the oil. This is a fine conditioner and flesh-forming 
food for any kind of rabbits that are inclined to be poor 
and in low condition. 

"And just a few lines with reference to stained eye- 
lids. I am very much afraid we shall have this defect 
for a considerable number of years; in fact, I very much 
question if it will ever be gotten rid of, unless Himalayan 
fanciers import quite a fresh lot from their native land." 

Regarding the above points on care and feeding for 
Himalayans, I quoted tne writer entire, for the reason that 
he conveys with but slight modification the process pur- 
sued by virtually the whole English Fancy. It gives 
the reader a clear idia how fancy Rabbits are reared over 

33 



there, and to what fastidious lengths they will go to 
make a specimen showy. After results do not seem to 
be considered, and in the light of sucu effort, with its con- 
comi:ant environment as to climate and limited quart- 
ers, one need not wonder that stock coming from there 
is without stamina, and too frequently diseased. Once 
we are obliged to rear stock for show effect only, there 
will be small interest for the scientific breeder. I allude 
to the efforts at forcing Nature to yield beauty at the ex- 
pense of inherent physical qualities. 

It is a physiological fact, that rabbits with pink eyes 
are not so tolerant of light as those with dark. As an 
act of comfort, therefore, if for no other reason, they 
should be kept in dim light quarters; and particularly 
should the young be protected until at least 6 weeks old. 

Standard for Himalayans 

Density, shape, and size of markings: Points 

Hind feet 20 

Fore feet. 10 

Ears 15 

Tail, 10 

Nose 15 

Quality of fur 10 

Shape, 5 

Size, 5 

Condition, 10 

100 



5'4 




o 

M 

I— I 

7> 



Silver Grey 



Here is a distinctly useful variety of domestic rabbit, 
and in referring to its physical characteristics, I wish 
at the same time to express a nope that shall actuate 
a better appreciation for the real merit to which it is 
entitled. 

On superficial observation the Silver will scarcely 
be estimated as handsome, but on close examination of 
a correctly bred specimen there will be discovered a 
delicacy of fur that is a lot nearer silk than wool, and 
when that beautiful "pepper and salt" silvering is seen 
shimmering through it, there can not fail of real enthusi- 
asm for the production of a good type animal. 

The Silver is neither large nor small, ranging from 
5 to 7 pounds. It has not the racy, reachy style of the 
Belgian, nor the compactness, "get together" appearance 
of the Flemish. Fine of bone, ciean and dainty, del- 
icately valuable fur, and as near an ideal meat as the 
most fastidious epicure can demand. Indeed, it is almost 
too fine a meat, so that cross-mating, say, with the Bel- 
gian largely enhances its food value. 

I have given considerable attention to finding the 
origin of this variety, and while it is essentially an Eng- 
lish product, the several fanciers who have rendered an 
opinion were so diversified, that I am loath to say anything 
authoritative. 

One may inquire why. this variety is named "Silver 
Grey" rather than merely Grey, as one is readily im- 
pressed on first seeing a correct specimen. There 
is a certain shimmer to the fur that clearly conveys the 
tinge of silver, due to a proportionate number of tipped 
hairs evenly distributed, known as ticking. The s-iade may 
vary from light to dark silvering .according to the greater 
or lesser quantity of light hairs. In fact, from the 
standpoint of Fancy, the value of a Silver is estimated 
entirely by the evenness of its silvering, which ought to 
be as near alike over all the animal as possible — ears, 
nose, feet, and tail should match body color. 

Undercolor is by some tei-med slate blue, and by 
others blue black. This should extend distinct to the 
skin. Wnat is oiten an otherwise good specimen Silver 
Grey is frequently m^ade inferior by entire lack of under- 
color on the chest — a point to be constantly kept in 
mind when one's matings are made up, or new stock 
purchased. 

Likewise, specimens that are otherwise evenly silver- 
ed but have a "cloudy" appearance usually possess a 
strain from the Browns. 

35 



THERE is but one essential to 

the successful breeding of Sil- 

Breeding vers — stock of even markings 

on both sides. This implies 

t-at males and females are 

as near like one another as one can possibly have 

them. If anything, undercolor is perhaps of more vital 

consideration than surface color, which, as remarked, 

must have the evidence of even silvering. The coat 

should be short, and of such feel and consistence like 

silk. 

It is claimed by breeders of tnis variety, that richness 
of silvering is intensified by warmth. This, of course, 
comes from the English method of rearing the variety, 
and where climate and consequent environment must be 
considered. Also, the propriety of winter breeding, al- 
ways injudicious unless accompanied by artificial heat. 
The latter a factor only when one breeds for show class- 
es as scheduled according to age limits at all times 
of the year. 

At the age of 6 months the finished luster of a Silver 
is supposed to be complete. 

Standard 

Points 

Undercolor, a deep ricn blue black, 25 

Evenness of silvering throughout, 20 

Sharp, even bright ticking, 15 

Short, full coat, 15 

Ears, neat, well set on; bold, bright eyes 10 

Condition and shape 15 



100 



Silver Fawn, Silver Brown and 
Silver Blue 

are varieties not recognized to any appreciable extent in 
this country. At shows one sees occasional specimens 
purporting to represent them, but their breeding is of 
such uncertain success, as to warrant scarcely any 
real interest in their support. For utility purposes, they 
are just as appropriate as the Grey. 

3b 




I— I 

o 



The English Rabbit 

This is a "made" rabbit by English fanciers, and 
among them has many stauncn admirers. It can not 
lay claim to superior merit over any other variety beyond 
the singular markings that characterize it, and correctly 
bred, these are quite beautiful and odd. 

The breeding of English rabbits is always surrounded 
with considerable uncertainty, and in no variety is the 
necessity for reliability of strain emphasized as per- 
haps in this. Lately, also, some slight modification in 
their Standard markings have been made that do not 
by any means simplify breeding. 

Persistent inbreeding is the more likely road to 
success toward characteristic points, and as our English 
friends invariably do, tney follow it with a vengeance. 

The peculiar markings which typically identify this 
variety are known as "herring bone" and "chain" — the 
former from shoulder along the entire back, and the latter 
along sides, ending on both shanks. Ears are solid 
black, and the eyes are also surrounded by a solid circle. 
"Butterfly" nose is considered by many as important a 
point as that relating to ears and feet. 

There are few specimens in tnis country, and while 
a handsome rabbit as a novelty that interests the fancier 
after such points, I doubt if it will at any time receive 
palpable recognition here. I would like to see it better 
recognized. 



37 



Standard 

Head Markings: — Points 

Perfect butterfly smut, 15 

Circle around the eye, 8 

mye spot, clear from eye circle, 6 

Eye, clear and bold 3 

Ears, neat, and free from white, not 

over. 4 inches long, 5 

Body Markings: — 

Neat saddle, herring-boned in any 

distinct color, 10 

Sides of body to be nicely broken up 
in small patches, not to catch 

saddle markings 12 

Chain maraings, even as possible on 

each side, 12 

l-icg Markings: — 

One distinct spot on each leg 

Fore leg 6 

Hind leg, 2 8 

Belly spots, should be six, 6 

Color 5 

Size and shape, 6 to 8 pounds 5 

Condition, good coat, not baggy 5 

100 



The Polish 



This is the "White rabbit of Easter," and when bred 
to Standard qualifications, is an exceptionally handsome 
variety. 

It is pure white over all, nas pink eyes, and in phys- 
ical outlines closeiy resembles the Himalayan (without 
the dark points.) In shape it is neat, and not by any 
means pudgy, and has little in common with the white 
rabbits one sees running about yards, kept in filthy small 
boxes by children, and reared mostly for Easter occasion. 
Very few of these are ^ olish. With its solid whiteness 
that gives continuity to outline, there is apparent all the 
while something striking in the spry and bold appear- 
ance to the animal, and quite typically accentuated in 
the inquisitive pink eye. When on the alert there is a 
characteristic grace that removes all compactness out 
of the body, witn tne result of real beauty in outlines. 

Its fur is of fine quality, short, close to the body, 
smooth and of silKy texture. Ears are short, well set 
on, thin, and finely covered with fur, the latter point being 
good evidence of thorough breeding. 

Because of their immaculate whiteness — and, by the 
way, there must be no evidence of brassiness in the coat 
— Polish must be bred in clean hutches, so constructed 
as to prevent direct sunlight into them. 

There are no ruies of special importance for mating 
other than the male and female should be well matched as 
to quality of fur, ear finishing, and perfect health. Any 
evidence of brassiness must also be avoided, a caution 
quite essential when new specimens are purchased. 

Standard for Polish 

Points 

Shape, 25 

Quality of fur, 25 

Purity of color, 15 

Ears 15 

Eyes 10 

Condition, 10 

100 



39 



Black and Tan 



This beautiful and interesting variety has but few 
admirers in this country. It is essentially an English 
product, and is supposed to have its origin in the cross 
of a domestic with the wild rabbit (not Hare) of England. 

In shape, and to an extent in markings, it has consid- 
erable identity with the Dutch. The points are, ot 
course. Black and Tan, each color distinct for the parts 
to which they are attributed, and must be free from 
alien splotches. Tan must be of a deep and dense color 
distributed as follows: — front, sides, feet, and hind legs, 
jowls and face. Ears are small, and the eyes very bold, 
after the instinct of wild rabbits. 

Standard 

Points 

Tan, deep and rich 15 

Black, dense, 10 

Distri- Triangle, 5 

bution Hind feet, 10 

of Tan Fore feet 5 

Chest and Flank, 5 

Nose, Eyes and Jowls 5 

Ears, in and outside margins, ... 5 

BlacK saddle, no ticking 5. .40 

Ears, short and black, 10 

Shape, that of Dutch 10 

Eye, 5 

Condition, 10 

100 

BLUE and TAN, is identical with the above, blue 
taking the place of black. 

Weight of both varieties, 4% to 5 pounds. 



40 



td 

> 
o 

> 

o 

> 
51 




The Havana Rabbit 

This is one of the very latest varieties and was first 
introduced as an exhibition specimen into England, in 
1910. The correct color is dark brown to dark chestnut 
brown and blood red brown changing with the varying 
light. From Holland, Havanas have been sold to go to 
France, Switzerland, Germany, and quite a few have found 
their way into the United States. In France they appear 
to have been crossed with the Belgium hares, the color of 
these specimens being light tan brown, and the frame 
and ears are consequently much larger than in the original 
variety. The pelts are of considerable commercial value 
as an imitation beaver. Furriers require a rough, longish 
coat, and the Dutch variety appears to be the one most 
bred for this purpose. Havanas are strong and hardy and 
easily reared in outside hutches of ordinary dimensions. 
The show type that appears to be superior is the smaller, 
neat, short coated variety. The larger ones often exhibit 
a dewlap and are somewhat coarse and awkward looking. 
The eye is deep brown, changing to ruby and quite a feat- 
ure of the variety whose most pronounced fault after the 
variation in color, appears to be a preponderance of white 
hairs in body and ears. The general appearance of the 
Havana is somewhat similar to the Imperial, with a decid- 
ed blue cast to be seen on the belly and thighs. There are 
wonderful possibilities in the Havana and we look forward 
to them becoming great favorites in the United States. 

Standard of Points 

Points 

Color — A rich, bright brown all over, with undercoat 

of pale grey, 30 

Shape and Size — Exceedingly fine and elegant, some- 
what like the Black-and-Tan. Head and 
neck, medium. Weight, when full grown, 
not to exceed 5% lbs., 30 

Ears — Four inches long, fine in substance, small, 

straight and carried upright, 10 

Feet — Very slender and straight, with brown toe 

nails, 10 

Eyes — Large, the color of the fur, showing a red 
light in the pupil, yet having a soft and 
gentle expression, 5 

Coat — Short, fine and silky, 10 

Condition, 5 

100 



41 



The Imperial Rabbit 

The ideal Imperial may be described as follows: 
Shape and size, similar to that of a Belgian buck, but 
shorter in limb and weighing, when full grown, from 6 lbs. 
to 7 lbs. Color dark blue, of one even shade throughout. 
Fur, soft and bright, and rather longer than in the short 
haired varieties. Head, narrow and tapering, the eyes 
being long, bright, and deep blue in color. The ears should 
be about 4% inches long, round at the tips, carried erect, 
and set rather closely together. The commonest faults- 
are white hairs intermixed with the blue, rusty color,, 
brown eyes, and bars of a lighter or darker color on feet. 

Standard of Poir ts 

Shape and size, 25 

Head, 10 

Ears, 5 

Eyes 15 

Color 25 

Coat 15 

Feet 5 

100 



42 



S^lfi 



It was not my intention to touch on Selfs and yet the 
book would scarcely be complete without some reference 
to the endeavors being put forth at present to popularize 
Self-Blacks and Blues. The production of such varieties 
presents little difficulty in the matter of color, and all 
that is required to be done is to reduce size and shape 
to the standard governing the Polish or White Self Rabbit. 

Breeders of these new varieties which give every 
proof of rapidly becoming popular are obtaining them by 
different methods. Blacks are being bred by mating 
dark silver greys and the common wild rabbit, caught 
when young and tamed, and from Polish and Silver greys. 
Both Self-Blacks and Blues are common enough in litters 
of tan and English, and this presents an easy method of 
obtaining stock. Self-English are, however, much too 
strong in type, and therefore not the best means of secur- 
ing the desired end. The first method of producing Blacks 
is the best, and for Blues the Self-Blues often bred in a 
litter of tans is equally useful. 

No standard of points has been drawn up, as yet. 
The only guide to breeders is the standard for Polish. 
Neatness, shortness of ears and coat, combined with 
purity of color, are the points to aim for, and the rabbits 
when produced are to be of the "bantam" variety. There 
is no doubt about the success of the newest of new vari- 
eties, providing the Polish type is adhered to, and it is 
safe to predict a successful future for Selfs. 



The Belgian Hare 

AS alluded in a former chapter 
what I shall remark concerning 
Introductory methods of rearing, and the 

"keeping" of Belgians in gener- 
al, can be applied to all varie- 
ties heretofore mentioned. 

There is no essential difference in housing, clean- 
liness, feeding, and practical attention other than the sal- 
ient points specified with each variety. The general 
principles for mating, breeding, tue matter of pedigree 
records, and bringing up along intelligent lines, apply 
virtually alike in all. 

Of all the varieties of domestic rabbits, the Belgian 
Hare has maintained highest popularity. This is due 
largely to its many excellent qualities in all respects, and 
correctly bred offers to both fancier and utility breeder 
the widest scope for satisfaction and usefulness. And 
bred, also, in harmony with Standard characteristics, 
there is about it a grace and beauty in both shape and 
color tnat is not found in any other variety. 

THERE is no positive information 

available as to correct origin of 

Origin the Belgian Hare. Its name 

would have one naturally infer 

that it originated in Belgium, 

but I am not aware that it was by Belgian breeders ever 

designated by the subjoined term Hare, unless in later 

years. 

An English writer says, "The Belgian Hare is so 
called from its resemblance to our English Hare, and from 
its Belgian origin. It has, however, no blood relation- 
ship or affinity to lepus timidus (common Hare,) but is 
to all intents and purposes, a rabbit." Technically, then 
the Belgian is named Hare by courtesy, and is a rabbit in 
fact, the English wild Hare being the pattern that has 
stood for fanciers of that country as an ideal toward 
which they have directed their breeding since its intro- 
duction from Belgium. With all this idealism, however, 
the Belgian will never be an exact likeness of its proto- 
type, for without the admixture of blood from the latter 
there can be no more than a similarity. 

Belgian breeders claim, that what is now the up-bred 
Belgian Hare was originated by them from a cross of the 
wild Hare indigenous to that country, and their common 
rabbit. This assertion, though, has never been proven 
within my knowledge, and I doubt if it is true. If 
they have succeeded in mixing the blood of two distinct 
species of animals, it was going without the bounds ol 

44 



td 

O 

H- ( 




zoological probabilities, and what many have subsequently 
attempted only with failure. There are, indeed, some 
features about our present Belgian that lend possibility 
to the claim, but when one appreciates the continual con- 
tention against development of the persistent rabbity 
dewlap, there is less room for belief. 

Naturalists describe the wild Hare of Belgium by 
a "fur of dark reddish color, with white belly, and weighs 
from 6 to 9 pounds." 

In its original type the Belgian Hare, so named, was 
introduced into England sometime about 18.56 to 1860. 
It came with the name Leporine. No immediate progress 
was made by English fanciers, and it was not until some 
fifteen years later that attention was directed toward 
a specific type. In the last twenty years, however, much 
advancement was accomplished, largely accentuated by 
the interest aroused throughout this country. 

To better appreciate the idealism toward which Bel- 
gian fanciers breed with the wild Hare as prototype, it 
will not be in apropos to remark a bit of natural history 
concerning it here: 

Virtually every country has a wild Hare that is 
indigenous to it, and in no two countries are the species 
identical. That is, there is no difterence in specie hab- 
its, but it is either larger or smaller, with such modifica- 
tion of color markings as its environment seems to 
demand. 

America has several species, the most common of 
which is the "Northern Varying Hare," so named on ac- 
count of accommodating its color markings, as it were, 
to the locality it inhabits, in the northern countries 
changing entirely to white during tne winter months. In 
summer it is brown, varied with black tipped hairs, the 
prevailing color in the more southern countries. 

Then we have the "Prairie Hare (lepus campestris,) 
discovered by Lewis, and is never found east of Kansas. 
This species is most abundant about Salt Lake, and in 
Utah generally. The fur is white in winter, with here 
and there brownish spots, while in summer it is a yellow- 
ish grey. 

The "Wood Hare" (lepus sylvaticus) is a small vari- 
ety and frequently confounded with the common rabbit. 
It ranges trom Hudson's Bay to Florida, and in physical 
characteristics has much in common with the wild rabbit 
of England. 

"Trowbridge's Hare (lepus trowbridgii) is the small- 
est of .all American species, and is found only on the Pa- 
cific coast. 

The species which is indigenous to England and 
Scotland is perhaps the most beautiful and characteristic 

45 



of all the world over, and as previously mentioned, it is 
this that has been made the prototype for attainment 
with the domestic variety. 

In natural history the Hare is described in the fol- 
lowing language: "The common Hare is known from the 
rabbit by the redder hue of its fur, the great proportionate 
length of its black-tipped ears, which are nearly an inch 
longer than the head; by its very long hind legs, and its 
large prominent eyes. Wnen full grown it weighs on 
the average about 8 or 9 pounds, and sometimes even 12 
and 13. In total length it rather exceeds two feet, 
the tail being about tnree inches long. The color is 
greyish-brown on the upper portions of the body, mixed 
with a dash of yellow; the abdomen is white, and the 
neck and breast yellowish-white. The tail is black on 
the upper surface and white underneath." This quota- 
tion is rather broad, and no doubt meant to be general 
for the Hare species, while that native to England (the 
prototype of the Belgian Hare) is somewhat more pro- 
nounced, the animal being rather longer and consequently 
more racy. 

The English wild Hare is typically "built" with long, 
thin fore legs, rather full chest nicely tapered into an 
upward trend of the belly that ends in a racy tuck-up at 
the flank, and the latter fortified by a pair of strong- 
shanked thighs of powerful propelling muscular action in 
the well-formed, reachy hind legs. Color that of the fox 
in full "bloom," a rich tinge of old gold, and the back 
from shoulder to tail tipped with beautiful ticking "like 
a wavy field of grass in summer." Ears erect, and 

"foxy" in attention and color, with pronounced black 
points. Head rather broad across the skull, short, strong, 
and a bit thick, with a "pop eye" that stands out bold 
and alert, quick and nervous as if taking in all surround- 
ings at once. 

The wild Hare will invariably bring forth its young 
in a nest (called a form) built on top of the ground, while 
the rabbit will "make a hole" (called a burrow) in the 
ground, line it with fur pulled from the mother's body, 
and have a litter of 4 to a dozen. The mother Hare 
will rarely have more than 4, and more frequently but 2 
and 3. 

Another differing feature of the Hare from the rabbit, 
it is claimed, is that the former brings forth its young 
with the body covered with fine hair, and the eyes open, 
while the latter are born immature, uncovered by fur, 
and the eyes closed for ten days. I can not verify this 
assertion concerning the Hare leverets out of personal 
observation; but from the fact that the Hare and Rabbit 
is both of the genus rodentiae, which are all night for- 

46 



agers and born with eyes closed, I am at a loss to recon- 
cile this particular characteristic. 

Distinctly, all Belgian Hares of consequence bred in 
"chis country are of foreign origin, and with but few' excep- 
tions, direct descendants of stock imported from England. 
What specimens came to America from Belgium and 
Germany are as different from the English type as a 
Percheron is from the Kentucky race-horse, and there is 
little about these that appeals to tne classic fancier. 

One sees occasional advertisements of "Grey," 
"White," and "Black" Belgians. There are none such, 
and the name is more a whimsical misnomer for an un- 
certain cross-bred rabbit or the result of self-colored 
sports. 

WHEN the expert horseman wish- 
Phvsical CharaC- ^^ *^ purchase a speedy driving 

•^ ^ _ animal, he first inquires where, 

teristics and from what stock it is bred. 

It must, first of all, have an an- 
cestry of recognized and demonstrated quality. This 
implies health, speed, and durability. Then he looks the 
horse over from every point of view — front, sides, behind, 
close and afar. He does this with the animal in pose 
and when in action, and notes every contour of head, body, 
and limbs. He wants a driving "machine" that has all 
its physical parts harmoniously and scientifically adjusted 
for easy action that makes time with the least effort. 
Shape of head, expression conveyed by set of ears and 
attention in eyes, carriage of tail, shape of body with taper 
toward flank, strong shank action beneath a well-formed 
back — all these characteristics make for qualities desired. 
And so with the thoroughbred Belgian Hare. 

In speaking of its physical characteristics we have 
in mind all that one sees in outline, contour, shape, size, 
length of limbs, ears, eyes, expression, and color markings. It 
is a picture of type that aims for an ideal, and as before 
mentioned, since this ideal is largely made up in the 
physical charactei'istics of the wild Hare, it is necessary 
in breeding the domestic to constantly keep this before us. 

No one man in the Fancy the world over has done 
more toward bringing the Belgian Hare to its present 
physical status than Mr. John Noble, of England. His 
high abilities as a scientific breeder, fine perception of 
physical points, and all requirements that make for suc- 
cess, are only accentuated by the rare qualities of the 
man as shown by his gentlemanly courtesy toward every 
one, that l am willing to concede him all the honor so 
m-eritoriously but modestly earned. Mr. Noble has 

"made" the Belgian what it is more than any one else, 
and this is what he says about the making: 



"I have made a special effort to develop the shape 
of the Belgian Hare ever since I decided to make this 
variety my specialty, and have succeeded in breeding 
some of the best ever bred. Most fanciers know 
that we wish to breed to represent the wild Hare in 
general style. You will therefore select your speci- 
men with fore legs as straight and long as possible, 
and the hind feet long and fine also; ears about five 
inches long, and carried similar to the wild Hare; 
head (rather) long. The neck must fall low from the 
ears, with a graceful curve along the back, and a 
gradual rise to tne hind quarters, which should be 
well rounded — not chopped off abruptly. 

This specimen of which I have drawn the outlines 
is to a very large extent idealistic. A successful 
breeder is an idealist. You must always have pict- 
ured in your mind's eye what you wish to see real- 
ized. You will not be satisfied with your realization, 
for as your practical efforts advance, your ideal keeps 
advancing. Consequently you are always living in a 
state of hope." 

Another breeder of note, Mr. Wilkins, has the follow- 
ing to say of the physical characteristics that to his 
mind constitute a typical Belgian: 

"The body of a Belgian should be long and fine in 
build; the forepart should not be heavy, but fine and 
graceful; the back nicely arched and rounded from 
shoulder to tail; the haunches round, not choppy; 
fore legs should be long, fine, and well set on; that 
is to say, they should be so placed as to lift the fore- 
part of the body well from the ground and let plenty 
of daylight under it. The head of a Belgian should 
be long and lean, with prominent eyes full of luster. 
The ears should be well set on the head, carried erect 
when in motion, and laid on the shoulder when in re- 
pose. They should not be too short, as shortness of 
ear causes a rabbity appearance. The correct length 
is five inches. The neck should be fairly long and 
slim in proportion to the body. The bones of the 
hind legs should be long and lean, not thick and 
chumpy. Tail should be straight and in no ways 
curled. The whole properties of the makeup of a 
Belgian should combine to present to the eye, as the 
wild J-lare does, a look of gracefulness and activity. 
A thick, choppy, angular Belgian is an abomination." 

This latter picture is even more idealistic than 
the one drawn by Mr. Noble, and is decidedly more away 
from the real wild Hare type, notably its head and neck. 
However, the possibilities of these pictures are exceed- 
ingly fascinating, and to attain them a real art. 

48 



It will be noted that in the above descriptions no 
mention is made of color characteristic — a feature that to 
many fanciers appears of almost neater sig:nificance, ap- 
parently, than that of shape; so that one might be led 
to think from this silence that color markings are of 
inferior importance. As previously remarked, color 
should have its share of considerate attention, but never 
made to supersede shape. Nature is fickle with color 
identity, as shown in the ever changing variableness of 
the wild Hare according to season and environment 

The wild Hare is the ra,ce-horse of the native rabbit 
family, and the Belgian that of the domestic bred. This 
point should be constantly in the fancier's mind when 
breeding for quality; so that by all science available in 
the breeding art he keep away from bulkiness, bigness, 
and general rabbity outlines, just as the breeder of speed- 
horses keeps away from the common farm product. 

But this is not to conve> the inference that raciness 
of shape means necessarily a small animal. Standard 
weight is 8 pounds, and this is not by any means difficult 
when one gets length rather than compactness. Leave 
the big, compact stock to the utility breeder, for this sort 
should never be specified as fancy, but made a distinct 
class by itself after the German and Belgian type. It 
is the trade in stock of this latter "make" that has done 
breeding for classic Belgians great harm, and it would not 
be injudicious to create two classes with a view of open- 
ing a channel for show recognition to breeders whose 
ideas for size outweigh those of raciness. This would 
place the utility rabbit on a basis of equal breeding for 
its particular qualities with that of the classic type. 
Possibly, too, the advisability of distinguishing names for 
clearer differentiations of the two types would not be 
amiss. 

I shall add here, that associated with an understand- 
ing of physical characteristics there is frequently a mis- 
interpretation of type for shape, so will insert what Mr. 
Ziegler, a leading American fancier and judge, entertains 
as a proper definition of the former: 

"Type is the aggregate of characteristic quali- 
ties. A Belgian Hare true in shape might be a very 
poor type, and again a specimen perfect in color may 
be a poor type. It takes good color and good shape 
to be a good type. A specimen that scores high 
according to Standard requirements is a good type, 
and one that would score 100 in shape, size color, and 
quality would be perfect type (est inventus.) Quite 
often the word "type" is used when only shape is 
meant. The shape of the Belgian adds to the make- 
up of Belgian type, but by no means will shape alone 
determine its type." 

49 



I will leave the interpretation of this quotation 
to each reader individually, and with it the inference that 
a show specimen of any species of exhibit judged by the 
score-card system, is subject to the judge's individual 
interpretations of score-card points; and that it is as rare 
as snow on Fourth of July for two judges unknown of each 
other to aggregate an identical average for the same 
specimen— a fact that demonstrates something "out of 
joint" with either the judge or the Standard, most likely 
the . itter. So long as the English and American Standard 
remain as at present, comparison judging will be nearest 
correct and satisfactory. 

With regard to type, I am personally not inclined that 
color takes a leading part, and has little more to do than 
a mark of identification possibly; nor does it appear to 
me logical that "a Belgian Hare true in shape might be a 
very poor type." 

BY visitor and novice the question 
has often been put to me — "What 
is that lamp under the chin?" 
Dewlap "Why is it there," and by the 

fancier aLJ breeder, "How are 
we to get rid of it, since the Standard qualifiies 'no dew- 
lap?'" 

The dewlap exists by reason of the Belgian's rabbit 
origin, and to get rid of it has been an effort of all 
good breeders from the first; and while its riddance is 
not yet a complete success, I am glad to note that we are 
gradually "getting there" more and more. 

Technically, the presence of a limited dewlap does 
not disqualify m the show-room under a competent judge, 
but specimens with pronounced accumulation of a "lump" 
should be condemned both as breeders and exhibits, since 
it appears that the tendency to reproduce this objection- 
able point is quite prone; and all the more so when the 
least evidence of it is apparent in males. For purposes 
of Fancy, tnerefore, no buck should be used as a stock- 
getter that has not a clean, well outlined neck, and whose 
progenitors have been likewise so. 

Anatomically, the dewlap is neither fat nor gland, 
but rather a combination of both, with an added affinity 
to enlarge in harmony with the functions of reproduct- 
ion. It is virtually an extension of the milk glands in 
modified form, and is greatly accentuated by frequent 
gestation. To out-breed it means attention to the select- 
ion of proper stock, and to judicious mating with regard 
to frequency and age. What has been accomplished 
thus far is largely tne result of junior matings, or mat- 
ings with one side under age maturity, preferably the doe. 
In other words, there must be a doe, at least, a physio- 

50 



logical condition of sub-normal development in the repro- 
ductive sphere, witn consequent stock of finer physical 
proportions. 

That objection to the dewlap should exist, at least 
to a limited degree, as a factor entering into classic 
breeding of Belgians, does not necessarily follow; but 
since we aim to reproduce them as near true Hare type 
as possible, its elimination becomes all the more neces- 
sary, for the more of it we have, the less Hare quality we 
possess. 

Personally, I have never seen a matron doe without 
any evidence of it at all, however slight, and I have 
seen many as well as bred of some of the best specimens 
yet produced; but if one can breed up to a standard of 
no evidence in junior does, and not much in matrons, we 
can be well satisfied when all other characteristics come 
within high quality. Success, if at all attainable, lies in 
a carefully sustained strain. 

ASSOCIATED with breeding the 

Belgian, there has continuall/ 

Qolor been more or less diversity of 

opinion as to what constitutes a 

correct color for it. In fact, 

fanciers have taken sides over the issue, and in many 

instances came near the point of acrimony about it. "The 

flame is not worth the candle" compared with the value of 

physical characteristics, wherein lies the true Hare 

picture. 

Some advocate the deeper tinted shade styled by 
them "mahogany red," while others stand by the now 
popularized tinge specified as "golden tan. 
As will be seen, there is scarcely a decided opinion on any 

oVi 3 H p 

standard requirement calls for "rufous red." Why 
this inde^^isive term was made descriptive for color I am 
unable to say; ana it is quite certain that the popular color 
now in vogue is, technically, not rufous. That the term 
is confusing Is made apparent from various expressions- 
vouch-safed by those trying to define it with specific word- 
ing as "golden tan," "golden chestnut," "chestnut Un, 
"mahoganv red," "chestnut brown," "brownish red, etc. 
One customer wrote me he desired a doe with "dark red 
color, and another wanted one "cinnamon brown." 

The term rufous is derived from the latin root rubro, 
meaning red. Dictionaries define it as "a dull red tinged 
with brown." Tan nowhere enters into any definition of 
it; though to define the latter perhaps aids in understand- 
ing its association with the former. 

Tan is defined as "yellowish brown," or "to make 
brown by exposure to the rays of the sun." , This would 
seem to imply what is to be conveyed by "golden tan." 

51 



Bear in mind from the outset, that 
Rrf>p>r1in0 Inr to obtain color, even approaching 

uiccuuj^ lui correctness, is the most difficult 

Color feature associated with breeding 

high class hares. One can breed 
a thousand specimens, many among them of excellent 
shape and good looks in general, yet not one in the lot 
that comes up to finished color points. Breeding for 
color is the ignis fatuus ever present with rearing Stand- 
ard Belgians — "now you have it, and now you don't" — 
but there certainly is a large pleasure in "trying to catch 
the thing." 

The first factor toward securing substantial color — 
and it is the substantial kind one wants — lies in the select- 
ion of breeding stock that is known to throw reliable depth 
of true tan. With this trait thoroughly established in a 
well built strain, many disappointments are already con- 
quered. It will cost a bit more to start out with breeding 
stock of reliable reputation, but to secure specimens whose 
blood carry the science of years spent in its production, 
will place one a long ways on the road that has been hard 
traveling for the breeder before, and obviate many risks, 
disappointments, and other troubles that come with infer- 
ior stock. I can fortify this assertion with the assur- 
ance that in the past eight years not a single specimen 
marked white on feet or shanks has shown itself among 
my flock, nor a one without palpable shade of tan on the 
belly fur. 

As remarked in a former paragraph, the popular color 
tinge at present most prized by many good fanciers, 
and toward which the Fancy in general has been working 
since the past ten years, is "golden tan," so named. A 
good specimen is quite handsome, and to breed for this 
tinge considerable of a fascination; but I question the 
lasting qualities on account of its proneness to turn lighter 
with each successive generation. Unless one maintains a 
constant infusion of blood from darker tans there will 
eventually be too much white. 

A Fancy, I dare say, has somewhat the elements of 
society — an institution of changing moods — so that the 
color for Belgians today is by conservative fanciers classed 
more as a fashion than a point of lasting quality. 

Whatever point one breeds for, keep constantly in 
mind that the power of transmitting it lies strongest in 
the procreative energy of a properly selected niale. This 
is as true of color as of all other physical characteristics. 
The female is more a medium through which a species is 
propagated than by it. Now and again one comes across 
what I shall term a masculine female, or a feminine male, 
if such are paired together, the stronger characteristic 

52 



points will have their imprint from the former; but such 
matings are undesirable. 

To breed for color, therefore, seek the tinge that is 
desired in a carefully chosen buck. Study and settle in 
mind just what that tinge shall be, then select a male a least 
bit darker and deeper; for it is better to breed with room 
fof "back-breeding," than to select too light ,a tinge from 
the outset. If one decide on "golden tan," mate such a 
buck with a doe of the "chestnut tan" shade, and in both 
give particular attention to depth of undercolor. It is this 
latter that makes for permanency for the future. If 
"chestnut tan" is to be the tinge, have the doe a trifle 
lighter than the buck. 

Once one has carefully built up a hardy, reliable 
strain from vigorous progenitors, the task to bring just 
what is desired will not be so difficult. But permit me to 
assure ray reader, that haphazard matings with haphazard 
selected stock spells failure in all the salient points that 
make for interest in scientific breeding. It matters little 
whether these points imply color or physical character- 
istics, if one desires to build, the foundation must be phil- 
osophically right. There can be no true interest or en- 
thusiasm possible out of a makeshift source, and if these 
principles are not included in the makeup of prospective 
fanciers, they had better breed for market from the start. 

Personally, I admire "golden tan" color on a Belgian; 
but for permanent quality and persistent reliability, 
"chestnut tan" appeals to me as most desirable, and when 
seen in a specimen of rich bloom, there is something about 
it that speaks for dignity, quality, and substance of breed- 
ing far surpassing the "flashy red" which needs continual 
nursing. 

Speaking of "golden tan" in his book Ambrose says, 
"one must remember that such is che most difficult color 
to produce and maintain, and that it can not be bred suc- 
cessfully without a judicious mixture of the deeper colored 
ones." Then a few lines farther on the same author says 
of the latter, "some, I know, pin their faith yet on the old 
chocolate shade, but these, when compared to a correct 
golden tan, appear absolutely shabby in the eyes of those 
who admire beauty for beauty's sake alone." 

The inconsistency in these quoted lines lies in the 
fact that "deeper colored ones" are an absolute necessity 
to the existence of "golden tans," and to breed the Belgian 
as a color object of "beauty for beauty's sake alone," is 
superceding the physical characteristics that make it a 
distinct species with a fashionable fad. 

Wilkins, in his excellent description of what he con- 
siders ideal Hare characteristics, does not there associate 
color as one of them, yet in another part of his book says 

53 



that "color in the Belgian is of first importance — it is the 
cardinal point." He too, like Ambrose, is a worshipper at 
the shrine of fashion. Indeed, the craze for "yellow" has 
become such a fad, that to placate a warning for the future 
welfare of Belgians is necessary. It has come to a pass 
that what is a prize winning specimen in the 4 to 8 months 
classes, and lauded as a wonder, will receive scant recog- 
nition ten months hence. 

When observing a Belgian Hare from a show point 
view one notes the colors to constitute black, white, and 
red, the latter being the prevailing body effect. Abso- 
lute white should be confined to the under surface of the 
tail alone, while that of the belly and under jaw should 
be tinged with rufous sufficient to give an appearance 
of rich yellow cream, verging into tan if possible. Such a 
specimen is evidence of reliable color breeding. 

Heretofore, there has been no small conteniion with 
points of white in the form of bars across the front feet, 
and streaks along inside of hind legs, often spreading over 
the top and down outside. There is no longer much 
trouble in this respect, owing to better fortified blood 
lines in well established strains. The fault was largely 
an outcome from adinixture of "any old rabbit" by un- 
scrupulous dealers in this country and England during 
the boom some fifteen years since. 

What black is apparent must be distributed from 
shoulders along the back, gradually widening down the 
sides and .along the haunches, ending on a line across the 
root of the tail. This evidence of black is known by the 
term 

Ticking 

and consists, according to one authority of "long black 
hairs protruding through and among the golden tan ground 
color, and should be crumpled and wavy, and of a jet 
black." Others signify tliat ticking is constituted of 
"red hair tipped with chocolate black." 

In harmony with the present tinge of desired "red," 
the latter is nearest correct. 

At this writing I have likely as near the correct 
"golden tan" as is possible to breed, in one of the most 
delicate colored bucks to be seen. Richness of bloom Is 
superb in the light of present desired tinge. He is out of 
a popular imported champion, and shows .all characteris- 
tics of the new "fashion." On seeing him hop about the 
yard, there is scarcely any indication of ticking. He 
appears "red all over," and fairly blazes with golden 
shimmer at twilight (the correct time to estimate true 
tinge;) but when placed in sitting posture and the hand 
is gently stroked over the back, ticking comes out in al- 
most solid wavelets over the surface, and down the shanks 
complete. 



54 



Close examination shows the long hairs delicately tipp- 
ed black — a deep chestnut black r.ather than jet — not more 
than 3-32 of an inch from their points, with the remainder 
of their length same hue as their shorter partners in thick 
profusion about. 

On the other hand, in an adjoining pen is a grandson 
of John Noble's great African Chief, the perfection of 
chestnut tan. This specimen has not a white hair on his 
body except under side of tail; and while the above 
"golden" chap is an attraction to be admired, and would 
probably win over his partner, there is something sub- 
stantial about this fellow that stands for unchangeableness 
in color of a character which one can not do without for 
keeping the golden ones permanent. In his way he is 
just as rich of bloom as the yellow one, and as a breeder 
far superior for reliability. Ticking is alike in both sup- 
erficially observed, neither showing waviness until stroked 
by hand. 

Personally, while I admire a heavily ticked specimen 
(providing "red" beneath is right,) too much black does 
not appeal, and few such can be found that will breed 
desirable rufous as associate color. 

What is meant by "wavy ticking" is the black-tipped 
hairs so placed in rather regular splotches as to resemble 
the effect of ripples on the water from a breeze. 

There should be no black hairs on the breast and 
chest, fore legs and hind legs. A small evidence on the 
head is admissible. 

Aside from the above references to distribution of 
white and black, the remainder of the animal should be 
"red," otherwise "golden tan" or "chestnut tan," accord- 
ing to the fancy of the breeder. 

As a digression, I will insert a bit of relaxation right 
here: While sitting at my desk writing the above anent 
color, I was called out in the yard on a small matter of 
interest to the children. This attended to, my topic came 
in mind, and I walked over to the hutches with the idea of 
seeing how my pets came up to standard about color 
points I was trying to tell my readers in these lines. The 
day was more than warm (only 96 in the shade,) and I 
found 8 brood does on the floors all in like position flat on 
the belly, with fore and hind legs stretched out forward 
and back. They looked distressed of course, but the 
picture was a real pleasure; for here were 8, and 7 of 
them as like one another in "color trimmings" as so many 
peas in a pod. Front feet and legs, breast, neck and ears, 
sides, and hind feet and legs, so uniform in chestnut tan as 
to make one believe all came from one parent. And 
those babies with several of them? Well, they were some 
Belgians in prospective, and I was more than ever impress- 
ed with the certainty of what I had on previous occasions 



advocated, that to attain best results in all particulars, one 
must mate his Hares in the season when Nature intended 
they should. 

Kindly bear in mind, too, that in using my stock as 
illustrative to these remarks, I am not doing so with any 
advertising motive. I breed out of pure pleasure and 
love for the little pets, and for best possible quality en- 
tirely as a recreative hobby; and to illustrate from it is 
mere convenience. I have few to sell at any lime, very 
limited room to breed Hares, and such poor health as to 
absolutely qualify my efforts. But the pleasure derived 
from theii* keeping is by ah odds the keenest enjoyment 
I got out of any recreation in the past 40 years. But to 
return. 

Color points as influenced by age are often a perplex- 
ing feature to those not sufficiently long familiar with 
the breeding of Belgians. They often wonder why young- 
sters show so light in the first 8 weeks — a fact .apparent in 
all those bred from light tinged stock. This, however, 
will all change with normal conditions of growth, and if 
the strain is a reliable one as to evenness of tan, there 
need scarcely be any fear of white markings. 

Gradually as age advances, color will also, until from 
6 to 8 months the permanent junior points are complete. 
In England, where shows are held the year round, growth 
with its accompanying color development is often attained 
at an age of 4 months by a process of forced feeding. 

Permanent senior color, however, invariably follows 
the molt of second summer, and if the tan is of good strain 
foundation, intensity, with additional ticking results. To 
illustrate this point: A year since a young fancier friend 
sent a junior doe, then 10 months old, to be mated to my 
imported buck. This doe was exceedingly fine in physical 
characteristics, but quite light "yellow," considerable grey 
on the haunches, with very little but rather even ticking. 
On first seeing her I wondered if my darkest tan buck 
could sufficiently modify the light tan as to produce even 
moderate intensity; but on seeing her pedigree I knew 
just what to do. I knew, also, that with the following 
molt she would greatly improve. This spring (1911) 
she came back for a second mating, and I was surprised at 
the improved tinge, added ticking, and almost total dis- 
appearance of grey — one of the handsomest brood speci- 
mens it was ever my pleasure to see. The mating proved 
beautifully successful, and I am proud to own one of her 
sons as a permanent fixture to my rabbitry. 

As already stated, procreative energy is strongest in 
the male. In the sire are supposed to lie hidden the qual- 
ities we wish to see brought out as physical characteristics 
in his offspring. These, in the Belgian, include 'color as 

56 



well as contour of body points, so that whatever perman- 
ency to them is to be established must be sought for pre- 
ferably m the sire line. At the same time I would not 
liave you lose sight of what possibilities can obtain 
through the female as a medium for transmitting specie 
characteristics; for since Belgians are essentially a "made" 
creature, both lines become important. The female, how- 
ever, should be studied from her sire side rather than that 
of her dam. 

Many fanciers mate by selecting the male for color 
and the female for shape and size; others reverse this 
selection. It is an issue that each fancier can apply as a 
matter of experiment toward an objective point; but 
unless both sexes are chosen with due regard for all char- 
acteristics, a much larger degree of obvious disappoint- 
ments will have to be constantly combated, with the risk 
of failure in the end. 

Red, designated as rufous, is therefore what consti- 
tutes color for all those parts on the Belgian not specified 
by white and black — the latter entirely as ticking. This 
as already described, varies from bright to dark, and is 
qualified by its tinge as golden and chestnut, with tan as 
the basic element. The deeper down into the fur this 
latter extends, the more valuable the specimen in point of 
Fancy, and if extending ^o the skin altogether is evidence 
of extra quality. 

There is continually some trouble to secure correct 
color on the ears of a Belgian; that is, so these appendages 
harmonize on their superior surface with that of the 
ground color on the body. Often, also, the ears are too 
bare of fine hairs, almost naked, indeed, and then either 
too light or too brownish. They should be very finely 
covered with exceeding snort, red hairs, a nice continua- 
tion out of the head covering as far up toward the black- 
tipped point as possible. 

Another failing that seems to be the result of fashion 
breeding, is whitish-tipped toes — not bars — but a soft cush- 
ion of pale hairs where the nails set in. This is not a 
very evident failing, but by oversight in mating is liable 
to become objectionably pronounced. 

Now and then one sees a specimen, usually a bright 
red chap, with white hairs mingled throughout its body 
coat. Concerning this they make a loud noise over in the 
Old Country, and Ambrose s.ays it is a "very serious defect 
which should at all costs be avoided." They are willing 
to admit the "defect" as a result of in-breeding, yet advo- 
cate the latter with a tenacity bordering on the pugnac- 
ious. Best of all, use no specimens whose coats is dis- 
tinctly marred by alien hairs of white; but at the same 
time do not throw aside otherwise good ones when such 
hairs are "far and between," for we must remember that 

57 



alien white hairs are quite frequently the effect of injury 
to hair follicles from a scratch with the claw, a bump, or 
bite during a scrap. 

Furthermore, our friends "across the pond" are decid- 
edly finicky about the effect of sunlight as a bleacher to 
the red. That persistent exposure to sun rays will tan 
is well understood, but that Belgians ought to be reared 
devoid of this invigorating influence on this account, is 
begging an issue; and that moderate exposure will be a 
detriment is also open to question. As an experiment I 
placed one of the bright red chaps in t.n open, uncovered 
yard, with no protection other than several boxes against 
rain. The sun shines in tnis yard up to 2 P. M., yet this 
fellow shows no bleaching after a 4 month's test, with the 
temperature above 94 for a week at ,a time. However, as 
a matter of comfort I have my hutches roofed over for 
protection against both heat and rain, since Wot is a 
whole lot more undesirable than heat or cold. 

A serious mistake often uxade that eventually proves 
detrimental to color effect, is mating specimens before 
sufficiently matured, or before adult bloom is fully attained 
so as one may know w.iat to expect. It is a physiological 
certainty, that while the reproductive sphere can be re- 
sponsive to its functions at a comp,aratively early age, its 
fruit thus early produced can not attain that permanency 
in physiological characteristics which come from stamina 
out of a mature body. To come within all physical ex- 
pectations, then, it is well to permit the reproductive or- 
gans as much time for organic functional perfection as 
the rest of the body; and remember, that once the repro- 
ductive sphere is drawn on for functional duty, virtually 
all life of the being concentrates in that direction, and at 
the expense of every fiber in it. 

Breeding for Shape 

A careful study of the topic that 
Breeding for relates to Physical Characteris- 

® _ tics, along with the immediate 

Shape Mating preceding one about color points, 

will give practically all essen- 
tials th,at enter into breeding for both shape and color. 
Analyze the former intelligently, and apply the latter in 
connection so near as it can possibly be adapted. Use 
judgment and common sense with what science of breed- 
ing one has available. Adjust inferior points in one with 
superior ones in the other, .and remember continually that 
from the sire emanate the blood line qualities for which 
we aim. 



58 



I have no doubt about not a few fanciers taking issue 
with my views concerning my contention for superiority in 
the sire. I have not the least objection, and entirely ap- 
preciate that the nearest .approach to absolute fact is de- 
rived from deductions out of our differences. Yet I 
must write as I believe, out of actual experience and con- 
siderable research; and is it not a fact that in Hares, 
as in all other stock breeding efforts, the sire has iirst 
place whenever there is inquiry after new blood lines? 

But Ambrose says, " Success is, to my mind, much 
more readily secured through the does than through the 
sires. It is the mothers which perpetuate the main char- 
acteristics, and yet every one appears to crave so much for 
sires." The universal law of propagation does not justify 
the ide.a advanced in this quotation, nor can it be substan- 
tiated unless by instances that are exceptions to general 
rules. Which is not saying, however, that any sort of 
mongrel female will reproduce quality stocK from a high 
class sire. Such an inference is not thought of in these 
remarks, for I am speaking of stock that is supposed 
thoroughbred on both sides. 

There is no question that our present fashionable Bel- 
gian Hares are largely the result of breeding from young 
animals. Such a method conduces to fineness in physical 
features, and has been a leading factor, no doubt, toward 
getting ihe prominence of an objectionable dewlap greatly 
decreased. I doubt not, though, but that all so far ac- 
complished has been done at considerable expense of 
constitutional stamina; and whether we are justified to 
make the sacrifice merely for the sake of a less useful yet 
more beautiful animal, I leave for each one's individual 
analysis. 

A few years since I wrote one of our leading fanciers 
for his opinion about mating. This is his reply: "In 
mating for results I select the doe for shape and the 
buck for color. To eliminate defects I mate a doe 
strong in sections of shape to a buck strong in color. I 
do this with two pairs suited lo each other, then select a 
buck of the one to mate with a doe of the other, and find 
my efforts have been rewarded. ' Evidently his ideas run 

parallel with those of Ambrose. 

Another fancier of equai prestige, and who has made 
it considerable of a specialty to breed for shape, lays .all 
success to the merits of a prominent sire strain imported 
nearly twenty years since; and I will qualify this by quot- 
ing what Wilkins believes is a sire's part in the mating: 
"The buck plays such an important part in the character- 
istics of the young in all points, and particularly in color, 
style, shape, fineness of bone, and head properties, that 
it is absolutely necessary he must be good in these points." 
It is from differences like these quoted that we must 

5» 



acquire our experience; for after all opinions are weighed, 
there is but one sensible course — use the best .available 
specimens "on both sides of the family." 

My personal experience has been entirely from well 
chosen sire lines, and I am quite satisfied with it. I am 
convinced it is the correct course. 

Under the topic Physical Characteristics will be seen 
described what is demanded as correct shape. Study that 
carefully, and frame the picture in "a prominent section of 
the mind, then compare with the stock intended for mating, 
and pair up as close to all points of quality as possible, 
always with the side of preponderance on that of the male. 
It iS often important to be ,as well informed with 
regard to defects, as with points of perfection. If any- 
thing, the former give more trouble than the latter. To 
one specially significant (I am not naming it a defect) I 
will call attention here — that of "choppy behind." This 
is an .abrupt decline of the spinal bones from a line across 
the hips to the root of the tail, giving the animal, in many 
instances, almost an angular appearance. The nearer an 
unbroken arch is shown by the spinal curve from directly 
behind the shoulders to the root of the tail, the better 
will all other outlines harmonize. I doubt if this failing 
is much a result of strain, as it is from small quarters and 
consequent lack of jumping exercise. 

Also avoid thick heads, lopped ears, and legs that 
stand distinctly in or out. 

I have often been asked as to the propriety of 
breeding from stock that carries the tail sidewise. When 
specimens of high quality are otherwise available i would 
not use such; but if a specimen of excellent points in all 
other respects, with just tnis one failing, I should not 
hesitate to use it — providing the anatomy of the tail is 
perfect. Physical defects are always apparent at birth, 
so that by careful examination of youngsters, all un- 
promising ones can be destroyed. What will turn out as a 
"twisted tail" can be clearly seen before the youngster is 
three days old. It is an anatomical malformation due to 
only partially developed vertebrae, or the ligaments that 
hold them together. But if the miniature tail shows 
straight at birth, and subsequently "floats" to one or the 
other side, it will be a condition of habit or overgrowth, 
rather than a defect. I don i like a "floating tail," but 
when there is no physical defect, an otherwise good spec- 
imen should not be condemned on this .account alone. 

I have noticed that rapid growth, all the more when 
Intensified by humid warm weather, is a contributing 
factor toward this failing. Likewise, inactivity enforced 
by small quarters. 

Above all, do not mate specimens not in their full 
vigor. Shape will be influenced by a diseased body. 

60 



Breeding, Building Up a Strain 
and In-breeding 

Associated with the breeding of every species of live 
stock there is continually present this persistent bugbear 
that relates to in-breeding — the theories for and against 
it. Inherent within one's seh, no one seems to like it, yet 
in the regular order of breeding for specific points there 
appears no other way. 

We all are repugnant of the idea associated with 
mixing blood of relations, and when it comes to pairing 
father with daughter, brother with sister, or son with 
mother, we just naturally think this is dreadful. 

Regarding such matings in the human family, both 
Bible and Law has set a ban against it, yet it could not 
have been otherwise than from such relationship that 
every species of living thing emanated, if we are to believe 
the story of Creation, the Flood, of doddering old Lot, and 
other instances of sacred and profane history. But the 
subject is one that can be made a volume by itself, so that 
I shall limit myself consevatively. 

One primary factor is, to what extent will psycholog- 
ical influence bear on sex combination. With regard to 
the human species, science has evolved the knowledge of 
relationship between mind and matter, and it is believed 
the former can materially influence the latter; hence the 
social and legal ban against the mingling of related blood. 

In creatures of the animal kingdom psychology is sup- 
posed to have no part, and therefore in-breeding can not 
influence tissue formation. Mr. Noble says, "In the low- 
er animals there is no mental strain to take into consider- 
ation," nor can there be any knowledge among them tliat 
the remotest blood-relationship exists. I have in a num- 
ber of instances observed, in dogs we'll say, that a certain 
endowment of memory is apparent. After considerable 
association, sudden separation for some period (quite long, 
one would think,) and subsequent coming together again, 
joyful recognition was manifest; but the matter of blood- 
relationship never seemed the least check to familiarity. 
Often, also, have I noted the gradual growth of a litter of 
kittens, baby pigs, a pair of pigeons, half a dozen puppies, 
a young lamb, and a "nest" of Belgians, with a view to 
studying the length and permanency of filial relationship 
and parental affection; but in every instance, so soon as 
the parent voluntarily "weaned" its young, there was 
apparent no further consideration for it than that of 
tolerated companionship, and often not that. In the 
light of these facts, Mr. Noble practically asks — "I am 

61 



still waiting to know why I should not put together any 
pair of rabbits, that from outward appearances, are per- 
fectly suitable in every respect, both physically and for 
producing exhibition points." 

Another breeder says, "I never consider blood-rela- 
tionship at all, and do not hesitate to pair father with 
daughter, or brother with sister." 

In no country, perhaps, is in-breeding made a practice 
in the rearing of live stock as is applied to every species 
of it in England. It seems an obsession, and a sensible 
one, mayhap, over there. Rabbits, and Belgians in 
particular, have been so long in-bred that Ambrose re- 
marks concerning it, "We sometimes think we are using 
quite another strain, when in reality we find, on inquiry, 
that the stock is not far removed from those which we 
ourselves are depending upon for success." 

I do not wish to set myself down authoritatively as 
individually advocating either cross-breeding, line-breed- 
ing, or in-breeding — rather as remarking of each impart- 
ially; but I am not averse to an acknowledgment, until 
better informed, that a careful study, associated with per- 
sonal experiments, of the more recent points and develop- 
ments relative the breeding of live stock, has modified my 
views largely in harmony with those of Dr. Schroeder, 
Superintendent of the U. S. Bureau of Animal Industry, 
v^ho says, "I am strongly inclined to believe that the evils 
attributed to in-breeding have been greatly over-rated." 

It is interesting to note what the U. S. Department of 
Agriculture is doing through its several subsidiary divis- 
ions by way of experimenting along all principal lines that 
relate to nxating of the different species of domestic ani- 
mals and fowls. Special attention is given the Mendel 
theory, as laid down by the monk of this name, whose 
work consisted entirely, it appears, in experimenting with 
plants. Government experts believed that the law dis- 
covered by hybridizing vegetables and flowers, would hold 
out with similar effect when applied to breeding live stock; 
and while not carried far in this direction as yet, indica- 
Mons point to successful results. 

Briefly, the Mendel theory is that of "inheritance of 
ancestral traits," or plainly that of in-breeding. It em- 
bodies the principle of dominancy and recession in suc- 
ceeding generations, and implies, also, tuat each subse- 
quent third generation in a lineal descent is characterized 
by predominant physical points of merit to demerit in 
the ratio of three to one. That is, in a third generation 
there appear three "dominants" to one "recessive," and it 
is by mating continually out of the former that eventual 
perfection in thorough breeding is attained. 

I have neither time or space to remark at length on 
the numerous scientific points involved in line — and in- 



62 



breeding, but it appears the only logical course for the 
attainment of specific characteristics. 

There are three forms of breeding .as classified by the 
terms cross-breeding, line-breeding, and in-breeding. 

These are defined as follows: 

CROSS-BREEDING, is the mating of two thoroughbred 
breeds of diverse species, as the Hackney and Trotting- 
horse, Alderney and Holstein cow. Bulldog and Hound, 
Belgian and Flemish or Dutch or Silver, etc. Subsequent 
matings of such offspring can be line- or in-bred. 

LINE-BREEDING, is mating individual specimens of a 
breed when interruption in relationship exists by remote- 
ness. 

IN-BREEDING, is the mating of close related ones of 
the same species. 

Line-breeding is illustrated by the subjoined pedigree 
diagram representing straight line descent for both sire 
and dam. For convenience I will name two pair by 
Sheriden mated to Bessie, and Roger to Queenie: 

Bessie 



Sheriden IV 





Sheriden II 






Queenie II 


Sheriden 


Sheriden III 




Bessie III 


Bessie 




Roger II 


Roger 


Queenie 


Bessie II 


Roger 
Queenie 














Sheriden 



In-breeding needs no illustration, since it implies the 
mating of direct relations, as, father to daughter; son to 
mother, brother to sister; father to daughter by brother 
ana sister; mother to son by daughter and brother, etc. 

With regard to this latter form of breeding the U. S. 
Bureau of Animal Industry has bred brother and sister 
mated in sequence order down to the 10th generation, 
Cavies being the example, and regarding which Dr. 
Schroeder writes me, "We have found nothing to indicate 
that the intensest form of in-breeding, carried on for 9 or 
10 generations, is injurious. That for the preservation 
and perpetuation of especially fine points, and for the 
establishment of new breeds through the selection of 



63 



naturally occurring mutations we are practically forced 
to resort to in-breeding." 

It was apparent that the 9th generation in this 
instance was represented by as good health, vigor, and 
Standard points of merit, as the parent stock of the 1st; 
and, if anything, all points were finely accentuated. The 
experiment also appeared to show a predominance of the 
"dominant" elements over the "recessive" in every 3rd 
sequence. 

Here is an example of absolute straight line descent 
without a vestige of foreign blood from the second mating 
on, yet no deterioration in a single element. 

One factor stands out pre-eminently above all others 
in its relation to breeding, no matter along what line the 
latter is practiced — that of health, and the possibilities 
from heredity. One should never mate specimens con- 
taining physical defects, nor when affected with disease 
whose transmission is known to influence the offspring. I 
am not alluding to physical faults, nor to diseases that are 
curable by proper treatment. These will not transmit 
defects; but in the event of in-breeding, essentially close 
in-breeding, physical defects will likely be greatly accent- 
uated, and constitutional disease all the more. 

To start breeding, do not begin haphazard. Become 
acquainted beforehand with the salient principles involved. 

The indiscriminate mixing of bloodlines without any 
knowledge of results, is like trying to steer a ship without 
a rudder. Don't pin faith on the mere assertion that 
"like reproduces like," for unless one knows how Nature 
does this, she may shoot very wide of the mark. She has 
immutable laws by which she works, and reproduces de- 
fects just as likely as points of merit. She dabbles in- 
timately with the phenomena of heredity. 

Study carefully the chapter that relates to physical 
characteristics, and apply .ls qualifications to both sire 
and dam, with their preponderance in favor of the former. 
This means all that is embodied in shape and color. But 
when purchasing, never ask for a perfect specimen; for 
there is none. All domestic varieties of rabbits are 
what they are by virtue of being "made" so, hence im- 
perfections continuously crop out. So when buying from 
a reliable fancier who is a real breeder, say to what you 
aspire rather than just wliat you want; for it is not always 
that what appears the most ideal specimens from a show 
standard which will reproduce their kind in exact duplicate. 
The matter of genealogy must never be forgotten, nor tkat 
of dominancy for the prevailing traits. Buy from a breed- 
er who understands the science associated with the art of 
propagating a species? then build up one's own strain. 

Building up a strain implies a start with specimena 
selected to represent certain qualities, and then enlarg- 

64 



ing these by a process of development and elimination. 
That is, points of merit are to improve, and those of de- 
merit bred out. 

I am presuming one is starting out as a novice with 
the idea of occupying a position in the Fancy. In such 
event, as said, buy from a reliable fancier breeder whose 
strain has the reputation of careful building up for a 
number of years. See that the stock is free from con- 
stitutional disease. Select specimens that represent, at 
the present desire "golden tan," or yellow rufous, and 
those of the "chestnut tan" or real rufous. To maintain 
the former persistently requires the latter. Neither in 
itself, will breed true continuously without variation. The 
"golden tan" is liable to shade into lighter, while the 
"chestnut tan" has a tendency toward brown, with an ex- 
cess of ticking; but by a careful adjustment of blood lines 
in the two, one can always expect desirable show spec- 
imens. 

The matter of mating related specimens I leave for 
study by the fancier after a careful perusal of the views 
brought out in the foregoing remarks. 

THIS is also a bugbear that is not 
a specially creditable one in the 
Pedigree rabbit Fancy. That it is discred- 

itable is no fault of the topic, and 
that contemptible fraud is prac- 
ticed by falsifying the lineage of a specimen, does not 
prove that a record of blood lines represented by a given 
strain is not the right thing to maintain. 

I hold that, notwithstanding all the howl sent up by 
those who antagonize pedigree, it is the only course for 
the maintenance of a true knowledge of one's stock. I 
have not yet observed one make a consistent argument 
against pedigree, and those who are noisiest in antagon- 
ism are the most earnest to know what they buy as repre- 
sented in a reliable record of lineage. 

That a fakir can fake is quite true; but not more so 
than that an honest breeder is honest. As a rule, a 
specimen carries inherently the qualities it possesses, 
and these are always palpable to tne informed observer 
who knows what they ought to be. 

By all means keep a record of every animal bred along 
thorough lines. Without a record of its lineage, what can 
be known regarding its possibilities for the future. De- 
ductions are impossible without a recorded formula that 
leads to results. However, any discussion of this topic 
is superfluous for the reason that it is a universal rule 
among stock breeders of all varieties of thoroughbred 
domestic animals, is the sole guide to success, and if not 
maintained one had as well do a market business from 
the outset. 

65 



Standard 



I believe 1 can best serve the interests of all 
breeders by reproducing both Standards, — The National 
Belgian Hare Club of England, and The American Re- 
vised Standard of Excellence for Belgian Hares. The 
English Standard is as follows: 

Points 
COLOR: Rich rufous-red (not dark smudgy 
color,) carried well down sides 
and hind quarters, and as little 
white under jaws as possible,... 20 
SHAPE: Body long, thin, well tucked-up 
flank, and well ribbed up, back 
slightly arched, loins well round- 
ed, not choppy, head rather 
lengthy, muscular chest, tail 
straight, not screwed, and alto- 
gether of a racy appearance, 20 

TICKING: Rather wavy in appearance and 

plentiful, 10 

EARS: About five inches, thin, well laced 

on tips, and as far down outside 
edges as possible, good color in- 
side and outside, and well set on, 10 
EYE: Hazel color, large, round, bright 

and bold, 10 

Legs and Feet: Fore feet and legs long, straight, — 

slender, well coiored and free 
from white bars, hind feet well 

colored 10 

Without dewlap 10 

SIZE: About 8 pounds, 5 

CONDITION: Perfectly healthy, not fat, but 
flesh firm like a race-horse, and 
good quality of fur, 5 

100 

COMMENT: — The above Standard, while complete in 
a way, is yet open to many points of inquiry, especially by 
the beginner; and were one to select breeding stock with 
absolutely no other available information, I fear there 
would have to be considerable guessing. There are 
quite some few persons who have never even seen a 
typical Belgian, and should such an one wish to learn 
what a hare was like, and have .a reprint of the Standard 
sent him as the best guide to a knowledge of it, that per- 
son, no matter how intelligent he might be — well, imagine 
what he would make out of it. I say this without the 
least intent at reflection or sarcasm; for one cannot fail 

66 



to note a vein of indefiniteness through it all. Observe 
the following points in order: — 

First — "Color." Can the uninformed say what rufous- 
red is? To most it must be entirely new; for it is never 
seen in print in connection with any object or other animal 
than tne hare — at least very rarely, if at all — and it being 
the foremost point as to cliaracteristic and merit, and the 
greatest "bone of contention," I think a careful and lucid 
definition would have been the correct thing. 

"Carried well down the sides .and hind quarters" is 
quite indefinite, and without pioportion. 

Second — "As little white under the jaw as possible." 
A good, typical specimen is supposed to have no true white, 
but a creamy tinge through what there is, as tliough the 
pure white had been soaked in rufous-red just sufficient to 
taint it. 

Tliird: — "Body long." How long would .a mature hare 
possibly span if nicely flattened in a belly posture? It 
would help a lot to differentiate from the "squeezed to- 
gether" pudgy ones. By taking a front view along the 
back, how does length harmonize with the neat, narrow, 
gamey looking head which is obviously only "rather 
lengthy?" If a typical specimen weighs "about 8 pounds," 
all other points being in harmony, it should be exception- 
ally long in body from tip to tip. Isn't this log- 
ical? "Thin, well tucked-up flank, and well ribbed-up" 
is open to wide construction with a long body and the 
'back slightly arched" only. A body of this description 
wouk seem most harmonious with considerable grace in 
what the American Standard calls an "unbroken curve." 

Fourth: — "Ticking — rather wavy," is indefinite with 
the rather. it is desired "wavy" in fact, as well as "ap- 
pearance," and this wavy appearance is only on certam 
parts of the animal, we know, though the Standard don't 
say. For all this it might be on the sides and belly, as 
well as on the arched part of the saddle — all over the 
hare, in fact. One should have it said just where. 

Fifth: — "Ears — about five inches" — about the correct 
length for a hare tkat weighs "about 8 pounds." This ap- 
pears harmonious; but "well laced on tips" does not. The 
word tip means "the point of anything small," and a small 
point can not have anything of quantity upon it. Now if 
the "outside edges" were "well laced" around the tip, say 
one inch, or one and one-half from the point down the fore- 
side, the description would be definite. And the color of 
them — it don't say — but elsewhere is given as "a rich shade 
to match the body color in some degree. 

Sixth: — "Fore feet and legs long." Here again ono 
having never seen a Crystal Palace winner can not pos- 
sibly say how these should narmonize with an 8 pound 

67 



specimen, and for both the feet and legs to be long, it 
would seem proper to signify how the two lengths are 
apportioned. In the chapter on Physical Characteristics 
some idea is given in this clause — "they should be long, 
fine, and well set on, so placed as to lift the forepart of 
the body well from the ground," which would mean some- 
thing like six inches. Of the hind legs one must form a 
general idea as to length. 

Seventh: — "Without dewlap" — which, buck, or doe, or 
both? There are, however, few specimens of does en- 
tirely free of it, and judges say a small dewlap is admiss- 
able. This fact should be stated, and the cut in points 
specified. 

Eighth: — "Condition," is open to ,a wide range of inter- 
pretation. 

The following is the American Revised Standard of 
Excellence for Belgian Hares. Adopted by the National 
Belgian Hare Club of America, June 8th, 1901. 

Disqualifications 

1. — Lopped or fallen ear, or ears. 

2. — White toe, or toes; white front foo*^ or feet; 

white bar or bars on same. 
3. — Decidedly crooked front foot or feet, leg or legs. 
4. — Wry tail or absence of tail. 
5. — Specimen blind in one eye. 
6. — Mature specimens short of 5 pounds in weight. 
7. — Diseased animals. 

Qualifications 

Points 

SIZE: — A mature specimen should weigh as much 

as TY2 lbs., (10 months of age.) 5 

EYES: — Should be large, comp.arative to size of 

specimen, 2 

EARS: — Should be as long as 5 inches when 

specimen is rated, 2 

FORE LEGS: — Should be long, in forearm, com- 
parative to size of specimen, 2 

HIND LEGS: — Should be long comparative to 

size of specimen, 2 

Shape 

SHAPE of NECK and BREAST:— Should be 
firm, with no loose skin pendant in the 
form of a pouch or dewlap 10 

HEAD: — Uniformly long, narrow .and not too deep, 

comparative to size of specimen, 4 

BODY: — Very long in vertebrae, between coupling 

of hips and point of shoulder blades 4 

FLANK and RIBS:— Flanks well tucked up, ribs 
well curved, thus showing a cylinder-shap- 

68 



ed body, said cylinder to be comparatively 
small in circumference for the weight of 
the animal. A specimen much larger 
around the body at point of stomach than 
it is at point of heart, is defective, as 
pouchy or Kangaroo shape is undesir- 
able, 4 

BACK: — Should be slightly and evenly arched, 
free from abrupt projections at rump or 
from flat or concave places — in short, a 
regular unbroken curve, 2 

LOIN: — Should be full and well rounded 2 

EYES: — Should be round .and bold, free from 
encrouchment by lids, or a flat retreating 
appearance 2 

EARS: — Should be well set on and persistently 
held in graceful style. When the attent- 
ion of the animal is not attracted forward 
the ears should habitually take up ,a posit- 
ion that lines up the three positions, viz: 
One-fourth inch back of nostrils, on nose; 
one-half inch forwaid from apex of skull, 
on head; and adopted ear-mark No. 3, on 
ear; which is at beginning of perfect ear- 
Lacing on thick edge of ear. The ears 
should not be broad or spoon-shaped, but 
when posed, neatly folded and persistently 
carried together at tips, 2 

FORE-LEGS, SHAPE:— Should be straight in 
bone and firm in joint, neither coaching to 
one side or the other or weakening down 
at joint appreciably when tested, 2 

Color 

TICKING: — Ticking is the black points on the red 
hairs of the Belgian. Surface effect is 
what is considered. Three things are 
necessary to produce the desired eff>.ct — 
Quantity, Quality, and Distribution. Quan- 
tity should be in a proportion of 25 per 
cent, of black to 75 of rufous rea. i-i 
quality we wish the most pronounced 
black and the most distinct red obtain- 
able in order to produce the necessary 
contrast of colors. As to distribution, 
the bLack should be distributed in tones 
or waves over the red background, which 
gives a -pleasing effect. Ticking effect 
should be viewed as a whole from a posi- 
tion at right angles to surface of arch at 
point of couplings on rump, 10 

69 



HTRAY HAIRS: — Colored sections of the animal 
should not be encroached upon by having 
white hairs contained therein, thus marr- 
ing the beauty of their respective require- 
ments, 

BODY COLOR; — Is hereby construed to mean the 
parts of the Belgian that are not other- 
wise provided for by this Standard and 
have special reference to back, above side 
color, and above the back of color on hind- 
quarters, also to head and breast. Ricn 
rufous red is the required color, dehned 
by Webster as being a reddish-brown-red, 
perhaps more clearly defined by describ- 
ing it as a deep cherry red carrying a dull 
rusty effect. The head may carry a very 
small amount of ticking and the breast 
should be entirely free from it, 

COLOR OF SIDES:— Should be 60 per cent, of ab- 
solute perfection in body color and should 
be carried well down to a distinct junction 
with belly color 

COLOR OF HINDQUARTERS:— Should be 60 per 
cent, of absolute perfection in side color 
or 36 per cent, of absolute perfection in 
body color. Should be considered from 
standpoint of surface color and depth of 
color as well, 

COLOR OP HIND FEET:— Should be a clear gold- 
en rufous, with no tendency to white on 
top or blueish or smudgy cast at side, . . 

COLOR UNDER JAW:— Should be a rich, deep 
cream color, not to show out noticeably 
when viewed from a side position at .an 
angle of 50 degrees elevation 

COLOR OF BELLY:— Should be a bright cream; 
neither a pure white nor a deep or cinna- 
mon color, 

COLOR OF EY^ES :— Should be a rich hazel, re- 
sembling somewhat a finely penciled 
chestnut shade of brown, 

EAR LACING:— Should begin on thick edge of the 
ear, one-fourth way from tip to base and 
should extend round the point of ear to 
slightly past, an equal distance down the 
thin edge of the ear. Should be a jet 
black and confined closely to the edge of 
the ear, averaging about twice the width 
on the thick edge that it does on the thin 
edge, 

COLOR of EARS:— Should be a bright golden 
shade of rufous, and entirely free from 



70 



ticking; neither should it be encroached 
upon by ear-lacing beyond the proper 

location for same, 

COLOR of FORE LEGS:— Should be a rich, rufous 
red, free from ticKing and smudginess,. . . 

Quality 

QUALITY OF EYES:— Should be bright and ex- 
pressive, indicative of health and vigor,.. 

QUALITY OF EARS:— Should be thin toward tips, 
fine in textui-e and pliable, moderately 
well covered with close coat of hair, 

QUALITY OF FORE LECiS:— Should be fine in 
bone comparative to size of specimen, 
and not coarse and beefy in flesh, 

QUALITY OF HIND LEGS:— Should not be coarse 
for weight of specimen, 

CONDITION OF FLESH:— Should be firm and 
solid, and specimen closely skinned and 
neat and free from recent blemish, 

CONDITION OF FUR:— Specimen should be close 
coated; fur well set on and free from 
moult; also clean and smooth with un- 
broken surface 



100 

COMMENT:— I think the active existence of the Nat- 
ional Belgian Hare Club of America has ceased, and I 
am not sure that the Standard of it as above repro- 
duced has had more than transient recognition. At 
any rate, the wording in many respects is superfluous, 
and were the English Standard just a bit more lucid — or, 
shall I say, if the superfluous were removed from the 
American, and added to the English, the latter could 
likely be best understood by the beginner. It is a pity 
that both are not what one could desire, and I believe a 
complete and very careful reconsideration of the Belgian 
as typically bred today in England and this country, 
would recommend itself to the fancy as most commend- 
able. 

When it comes to having an American Standard, as 
possibly many American fanciers would wish — and with 
good reason it would of necessity have to be adjusted to 
the English type of Belgian, and consequently only a 
modiflcation of the English Standard. In view of this 
fact I think it would be well for me to submit a study 
for the Standard of the Belgian Hare which I have pre- 
pared, having given it careful consideration along every 
possible line. I feel that it may be a future guide for the 
formation of a Standard that can be readily accepted by 
all. 



71 



Study for the Standard of the 
Belgian Hare 

REMARKS: — A Standard for judging Belgians should con- 
stitute sufficient verbiage to make every pass- 
age clear and free from misleading descrip- 
tives. 

The true virgin Hare, to whatever country 
it may be "indigenous" has never been 
domesticated, nor has it been hybridized (so 
far as definitely known) by admixture of blood 
from any species of either wild or domestic 
rabbit. The attempt was made, but failed, 
nothwithstanding obvious claims. 

In other words, the Hare — lepus timiaus — 
has maintained its zoological identity quite 
as individual as the elephant, lion, or tiger. 

The animal we breed under tlie name 
Belgian Hare is not at all of the species lepus 
— it is purely a species of rabbit bred to a 
high degree of perfection. Belgian (Belgium) 
breeders, I believe, claim priority to this spec- 
ies; but in that country nothing near ap- 
proaching the type bred in England is pro- 
duced, and English fanciers can justly claim 
title to its present perfection. The Belgian 
Hare as reared in America (I mean the typ- 
ical Belgian) is entirely the product of breed- 
ing stock imported from England, and it is the 
English species of it, so to say, that we must 
of necessity propagate, unless we hybridize 
away from the Hare type and create an ob- 
vious one along rabbit lines. 

We may be able to, by reason of climate 
environment, and other possible influences, 
produce possibly somewhat of an American 
ideal though I see no advantage nor likely 
consummation in the attempt, nor would I 
advise it. 

SIZE:— The classic breeder clearly understands what size 
has to do with breeding the typical Belgian 
Hare. The uninformed has not, and unless 
size is made a part of type and intelligently 
standardized, it becomes objectionable in that 
it destroys the Hare characteristic. Hare 
type stands for raciness, .and this can not 
obtain when bulk is a leading requirement; 
and there are not a few, I .am sorry to say, 
who think this sacrifice should be made, and 

72 



7 


to 71/2 


lbs. 


6 


to 7 


lbs. 


61/2 


to 7 


lbs. 


6 


to 61/2 


lbs. 



to whom I would suggest that if a large rabbit 
is desired for utility purposes make one by 
hybridizing the Belgian and Flemish, or Flem- 
ish and Silver. 

I believe it would be considerable advan- 
tage to type if the present weight of eight 
pounds were reduced a trifle, and a more 
specific classification made. The following 
weights, I think, would admit of all practical 
latitude for Standard results of breeding for 
racy type: 

Does above 10 months old. 
Does 8 to 10 months old, 
Bucks above 10 months old, 
Bucks 8 to 10 months old, 

All specimens under 10 months old to be 
considered as youngsters, and for judging are 
classed by months limit of age and rated by 
comparatives. 
WHITE: — There has been much discussion among fore- 
most fanciers as to how much white — under- 
stood as white-bellied and grey haunches — 
should be tolerated to pass Standard criticism. 

It is a fact that there exists an innate 
propensity in all animals of vari-colored fur 
coats to change from dark to lighter shade 
incident to season or age. The reason is a 
physiological one, and should be considered 
when judging an animal of domestic breeding 
if this characteristic is apparent. To allow 
certain degrees of white and grey (with con- 
sideration of the above phenomena) appro- 
priately placed without jeopardizing the 
standard body color, would appear admissible. 
In other words, a specimen answering to 
every characteristic of type and color feat- 
ures should not be thrown out unless the 
white on belly and under jaw and grey on 
haunches exceeds a qualified per cent, into tbe 
other color (rufous.) 

DEWLAP:— This appendage is characteristic of the rab- 
bit species, and NOT of the Hare. Its pres- 
ence is evidence of "breeding back" to .an 
original rabbit strain. The nearer free (and 
absolutely, if possible) a Belgian Hare strain is 
kept of it by scientific breeding, the closer a 
pure Hare type will it attain. But since the 
present Belgian is withal not a Hare per se, 
its presence to a degree is justifiable, and 
should not debar a specimen from qualifying 
in its class. 

73 



NOTE. — The dewlap is not a deformity, 
iior a disqualifying characteristic, unless 
so abnormally large as to make it such, 
and clearly indicate the specimen to be 
entirely foreign to the Belgian Hare type. 
It so happens that many otherwise good 
specimens show this appendage in var- 
ious degrees of development; but which 
was not apparent prior to maternity, or a 
certain age, which have reproduced 
others entirely free from it. 

These factors should be considered 
when judging; but a male specimen with 
more than a mere evidence of dewlap, is 
to say the le.ast, undesirable as a stock- 
getter, and should be disqualified if it Is 
akin to that in a doe. 

The dewlap should not be confused 
with a not inirequent udder-like enlarge- 
ment of the breast incident to maternity, 
and which will disappear after the nurs- 
ing period (unless the doe is again soon 
bred.) 

t.;OLOR: — Much discussion, and sometimes very caustic, 
was had as to what constitutes rufous red? 
According to some authorities, it is a term 
that admits of a varied interpretation, and 
the dictionaries define it as identifying a com- 
pound color. 

The term rufous is from the i^atin rubro, 
meaning red. Spelled r-u-f-u-s, is the technical 
Latin form and is translated r-u-f-o-u-s, mean- 
ing a shade of red; but nowhere is any reason 
essayed why it should identiry as brownish-red, 
or a "red tinged toward brown," as diction- 
aries define the term. 

Breeders, according to their fancy, con- 
tend for "golden chestnut" as the correct 
shade; some say "golden tan" as still more 
ideal, and others again say "chestnut tan" — so 
on pro .and con, with no one exactly satisfied. 
Because of this contention, therefore, 1 make 
the term as clear as we at present under- 
stand it. 

Brownish-red is all that can be analyzed 
out of the term rufous. Of gold there is a 
light and dark shade according to per cent, of 
alloy present; but virgin gold is a character- 
istic tinge, shade or color, as you please, of 
specific identity. There is no tinge just like 
it. Of tan and chestnut there are degrees of 

74 



shade; but it is that shade defined as brown- 
ish-red with which we have apparently to do 
and it is the degrees of intensity, therefore, 
of this latter tinge from light to dark that 
must constitute one's judgment of what we 
understand as rufous. To formulate an ideal 
color eifect in harmony with the conception ot 
the term one will reason thus, — take virgin 
gold as the standard for red, and the dark 
shade of a ripe chestnut for brown; tone 
down the density of the latter with the mellow 
tinge of the former, and you have rufous as it 
should show on the Belgian Hare. 

1 Yi:*tl: — This term has also caused much discussion, all 
I trow, due to either misconception or misun- 
derstanding, or possibly both. A small 
knowledge of Natural History, Biology, and a 
bit of Comparative Anatomy, will harmonize 
definitives nicely so we can apply the word 
shape as being more commonly clear. 

In its compactness type virtually IS 
shape, though many will haggle otherwise; 
but what I wish to convey by botli (if you 
please) is — the physical characteristics of the 
animal one observes as a whole, or perhaps 
more desirably, an ideal whole. Literally it 
means "a stamp or mark;" that is, an im- 
press, contour, outline, or physical conformity 
to a prescribed pattern — if the latter term is 
allowed. Color is a nominal characteristic; 
but is not essentially a part of type. The type 
that should "stamp" the Belgian Hare as ideal 
must portray raciness — slender, reachy body; 
thin, firm and lengthy limbs; narrow, racy- 
looking head; bright, bold, attentive eyes; 
ears long, thin, almost transparent, and con- 
tinually posed iOr attention — the animal alto- 
gether portraying a qui vive entirely free from 
sluggishness, slouch, and pudginess. 

Standard of Points 

Disqualifications 

1. Mature specimens weighing less than 6 lbs. 

2. Thick, compact, pudgy shape of head, body, or 

legs, and evidence of other than typical Bel- 
gian Hare qualifications as hereafter defined. 

3. Deformity of one or both ears not due to acci- 

dent; either lopped or wry, or less than iV2 
inches in length. 

75 



Hereditary deformity or blindness in one or 
both eyes, or of foreign color other than 
shades of hazel. 

Feet marked on top with white, especially fore- 
feet, or white bars across the toes. Legs bow- 
ed inward or outw.ard, or deformed (except by 
accident.) 

Wry tail, or twist, not due to accident or habit; 
or entire absence of tail. 

Diseased specimens. 



Qualifications 

SIZE: — Mature specimens above 10 months old — 
Does 7 to 71/2 lbs.; Bucks 61/2 to 7 lbs. 
From 8 to 10 months old — • 

Does 61/3 to 7 lbs.; Bucks 6 to 61/0 lbs 
Under 8 months are considered as young- 
sters, and are in limited months classes. 
Above 8 lbs. is considered over-weight,.. 

KYES: — Should be round, bold and attentive, free 
from encroaching lids, and of hazel color. 
There must be no evidence of flatness, 
or of appearing to retreat 

EARS: — Correct length for mature specimens, 
five inches, measured from crown of 
the skull between the ears along the 
convex ridge to the tip, 

Ears must be gracefully set, close together 
that the convex spinel approximate at 
their roots directly on the highest point 
of the cranium. Looking to forward 
attention the anterior margins approx- 
imate closely half their length from 
below, — to backward attention, the 
posterior margins do the same from 
above. These approximations give 
the iueal pose of correct earage, 

Their texture should be fine, and transpar- 
ent as to show the beautiful ramifica- 
tions of "tiny" bloodvessels, tapering 
thin toward the tips, and not spoon- 
shaped. Externally they are moder- 
ately covered with fine hair of same 
shade as on the crown, free from tick- 
ing, nor encroaching on lacing around 
the tips, 

Lacing must be jet-black, and begin at the 
convex break of the outer (anterior) 
margin, around the tip, and down the 



Points 



inner (posterior) margin at least one 
incli, or more. Lacing is densest on 

outer margin 2 10 

HEAD: — Neatly and racily long, inclining to nar- 
rowness, and proportion of depth to 
length about 3 to 5, 4 

NECK: — Neat, firm, and free from pouchiness, 
known as dewlap, a limited eviuence 
of the latter in does when breeding does 
not disqualify. In bucks it does -x 

BODY: — a. Back, Must be free from project- 
ions, or depressions, and at the sacrai 
(hip) joint should be nicely roundeu 
body lateral and lengthwise. It should 
not end in a choppy rump; but outline 
a harmonious arch from the shoulder- 
blades to the root of the tail. Coupl- 
ing is long and graceful, 4 

b. Sides. Must harmonize with back 
curvature; ribs nicely rounded and 
curved inward, more around the short 
(floating) ribs than the chest, s^ as 
to give the body a cylindrical form 
evenly outlined along spine and belly 
line; flanks tucked up to give the 
shanks prominence and thus outline a 
typical racy profile. These should be 
no pouchiness of the abdomen — kan- 
garoo-like — unless slightly obvious in 
matron does, 4 

c. Belly. Must not be pendulous or 
pouchy, but harmonize with the body 
curve characteristic of racy type, .... 2 

a. Fore-quarters. This embodies the 
chest, fore-shoulders, and breast prop- 
er, which must be full, strong and 
roomy for the inner organs, and grace- 
fully balanced on the slender fore-legs, 
shoulder blades nicely tapered toward 
their apposition at the spine but not 
protruding above it, 4 

e. Hind-quarters. Mean the hips and 
shanks, which must harmonize in grace 
with the fore-body. Hips must not 
protrude above the spine, and shanks 
will round out the curve of the back 
without choppy effect. Shanks must 
be strong, and prominent at the flank, 
tapering full .and round toward the 
spine — with ideal "race-horse" effect, 
— not peaked 4 18- 



FORE-LEGS: — Must be straight and slender, but 
firm, and of comparatively long reach. 
Mature specimens should measure 5% to 
6^2 inches from toe to shoulder joint. 
Toes straight and neat together 

HIND-LEGS: — Are lengthy and strong, a bit heav- 
ier of bone than the fore-legs; act and fold 
on a straight line with the body, and 
directly beneath it. It is important that 
they do not crouch forward (to enfold the 
fore-legs,) nor backward to drop the 
abdomen, 

TAIL: — Must set straight and close to the back,. . 

COLOR: — Description of Rufous Red. — The term 
means brownish-red, but is designated by 
some as "golden tan." Technically, it is 
a chestnut-brown, mellowed by the tinge 
of virgin gold. It is a difficult, but exceed- 
ingly rich color, and calls for keen judg- 
ment. It is the characteristic color of the 
Belgian Hare per se. 

a. Color of Head. Is rufous, but may show 

a very limited ticking, principally on 
the jowls. Under jaw a small patch of 
white or creamy white, 

b. Color of Breast. A rich, deep rufous, 

entirely free from ticking, and blend- 
ing harmoniously into the side color 
and down the fore-legs, 

c. Color of Body. Is rufous, modified in 

sections as follows: Nape of neck a 
clean unmarred rich red, from which 
it grades into a denser (appearing) 
shade along the back, due to the black- 
tipped hair known as ticking; and to 
an even or trifle lighter tinge along 
and down the sides until it merges in- 
to the belly-white — the latter to be en- 
tirely beneath the line of vision at an 
angle of 45 degrees, beep, rich rufous 
undercolor in all these sections is es- 
sential, and the more universally pres- 
ent "over all" is evidence of nigh 
breeding, 

d. Color of Fore-legs. Must be an extens- 

ion of the deep rufous breast color to 
tips of toes. There must be no tickinc 
or smudginess (appearance of smoke,) 
and no wnite on toes, 

e. Color of Hind-Legs. Must be distinct 

rufous entirely long and around the 



78 



I'egs to toe-tips. There should be no 
white from the linee-joint down on 
the inside or top, and no smudgi- 
ness on the outside, i 

J. Color of Belly. Is white tinged with 

rufous, giving a golden cream effect, .3 

g. Color of Haunches. Should be a con- 
tinuation of body color a possible two- 
third to three-quarter down the side, 
extending over the fore-shank to the 
knee. It is desirable to have as limit- 
ed grey on the inferior shank as 
possible. A handsome effect of tick- 
ing is looked for, carried well down,. . 5 36 

LIKING: — Consists of the long red hair tipped 
jet black. It is required from the should- 
ers along the back to beyond the hips, 
beginning directly behind the shoulders 
with evenly distributed black-tipped hair 
and gradually growing denser, until 
across the loin section it assumes a 
patchy aspect of wavy effect, extending 
over the superior portion of the haunches, 
down their sides, and down the back al- 
most (or altogether) to the root of the 
tail 5 

NOTE.— The matter of ticKing to be 
of "wavy" or "patchy aspect" is open 
to a question of option by the classic 
breeder. Many prefer an evenly dis- 
tributed effect, with a gradual in- 
crease of density from fore to rear. 
It will be noted taat the rufous color 
in evenly ticked specimens is richer 
and of a rarer "golden" tinge than 
in those of "patchy" effect. 

CONDITION OF FUR:— Should be compact and 
"close fitting," well set on, free from 
moult, and without blemishes or foreign- 
colored patches 5 

CONDITION OF FLESH:— Should be firm and 
closely moulded to the bony frame — 
after the manner of a race-horse; and 
free from evidence of disease, 5 

100 



79 



Official Belgian Hare Standard 

Adopted by The National Pet Stock Association of America. 

Points. 

COLOR:— Rich Rufous red (not dark smudgy 
color) carried well down sides and hind 
quarters and as little white under-jaws as 
possible 20 

SHAPE: — Body long, thin, well tucked up at flank 
and well ribbed up back, slightly arched 
loins, well rounded, not choppy; head 
rather lengthy, muscular chest, tail 
straight, not screwed; and altogether of 
racy appearance 20 

TICKING: — Rather wavy appearance and plenti- 
ful 10 

EARS: — About five inches long, thin and well 
laced on tips, and as far down the out- 
side edge as possiible. G-ood color inside 
and outside and well set on 10 

EYES: — Hazel color, large, round, bright and 

bold 10 

LEGS AND FEET:— Fore feet and legs long, 
straight, slender, well-colored, and free 

from white bars 10 

Hindfeet — ^Well colored, without dewlap . . 10 

SIZE : — About eight pounds 05 

CONDITION:— Perfectly healthy, not fat, but flesh 
firm like a race horse, and a good quality 
of fuir 05 



100 



Feeding 



To be successful with hares depends perhaps more 
on practical and common sense feeding than any other feat- 
ure connected with their "bringing up." 

Ani on the other hand, I am safe in saying that more 
losses of stock are directly attributable to carelessness, or 
possibly overzealousness, of it, than .all other adversities. 
Indeed, the hare is by nature, so singularly free from dis- 
ease (and vermin) in any form, that whatever ailments are 
encountered in various ways are nearly all traceable to 
some error in supplying food 

Nearly every fancier, and breeder of some import, 
furnishes a circular or brochure in response to an applica- 
tion or sale of stock, and it is of considerable interest to 
read over the obvious instructions vouchsafed in it, partic- 
ularly with regard to feeding. There are few directions in 

80 



which all agree, and the variance is so great that a begin- 
ner must become seriously confused, with the chances of 
making mistakes very much in his favor. Then, too, what 
one reads in the several magazines which devote space to 
hare topics is also of such wide range of opinion that one 
at first sight must almost conclude that no fixed rule for 
feeding hares exists, and that each manages tolerably near 
according to his own notions. And, is such a conclusion 
far wrong, I trow? 

One breeder speaks of green things with utter fear — 
.almost dismay and uses only the littlest of little of it; an- 
other is more liberal, but conservative in quantity, while a 
third gives as much .as the hares wish to eat, and all three 
get along without trouble, apparently. Some advise cer- 
tain foods in the form of mash, anyway from soft to dry, 
others feed no mash at all. Then growing youngsters 
come in for special dieting up to a certain age, and again 
they come in just the same as the old ones. Thus opin- 
ions shift along, and the hares that don t die from over- 
attention may die for want of it, and the rest grow up. 

But, seriously, feeding should be managed .along intelli- 
gent lines just as everything else — not overdone, nor un- 
derdone. Common sense comes nearer being pleasing to 
the hares than too much concern or not enough. No mat- 
ter what the creature may be that one takes up for either 
fancy or utility purpose — from the Larger animals to the 
smaller pets — to be successful with their "bringing up" 
the first essential is some knowledge of their instincts and 
physical characteristics. In the case of the hare (or rab- 
bit,) we know how it lives in the wild state, and that its 
domestication was a gradual advancement from that into 
its present, which should imply, that its food now cannot 
be greatly modified from what it finds when compelled to 
hunt for it — summer and winter. To know what this is 
should not be at all difficult; for a hare exists about exact- 
ly as a sheep would were the latter to seek food as an un- 
domesticated animal. This holds good in the domestic 
state as well. Feed the hares as one feeds sheep, and 
there can't be much room for error. 

One instinctive characteristic of the hare, and which 
to me personally has been a guiding factor in the successful 
rearing of it, is that it prefers to feed at night. Unless an- 
noyed, the hare in its wild state is quiet during the day, 
and the Belgian very much so if undisturbed, and sees no 
one. I make it a rule to h.ave mine as little disturbed in 
daytime as possible, and in connection with this thought 
I will give my method of feeding, and the feed I use. 

My hares are never restless until approach of even- 
ing "meal time," which is invariably at sunset. Then they 
are fed sufficient that I know the stomach is full in the 
morning, and the days of long nights, I give -ut one mess 

81 



in 24 hours. They are glad to see me in the morning, but 
not frantic for food, and all they get is a swish of clover 
hay, or every third day something green. With regard 
to the latter I am very particular that no medicinal plants 
are fed. By instinct, a hare does not eat them In the 
wild, but a domestic rabbit by being sometimes long de- 
prived of greens, occasionally forgets himself. Dandelion 
is injurious, and plantain should be fed only sparingly. 
Turnips and carrots are a good relish now and then; but 
hay-clover, alfalfa, or timothy is most I feed, both green 
and cured. Mash feed of any sort I don't use, nor milk at 
all. Pure water is the only liquid — twice a week in winter, 
and every day in summer. Once .a week I mix a teaspoon 
tincture of iron in half a bucket of water — a tonic in a way, 
and keeps them slick. So far I had no sickness among my 
stock. 

My regular feed for the substantial evening mess 
consists of bran, l^^ parts; ground oats, 1 part; whole oats, 
1 part; whole wheat % part; cracked corn, i^ part, and 
hominy, i/i part, thoroughly mixed. Young and old are 
fed alike, except as to quantity per animal. Of course, I ex- 
pect many to differ with my method, and I shall not object. 
I have my reasons for feeding this way; my pets are happy, 
and healthy, and sleek as eels; .and as said, were well since 
I have them. I might add that twice a week I mix a table- 
spoonful fine salt to four quarts of feed as an elementary es- 
sential. Some breeders keep .a lump of rock-salt in the 
run — a serious mistake I think — for salt is a poison in an 
over indulgence, and causes bowel trouble. I do no exhib- 
iting at shows, but such as do, usually devote some extra 
attention to feeding in the hope of developing extra sheen 
in L.ie "coat," and a brisker appearance in general. In 
England this is done to quite some degree, and not a few 
enterprising parties advertise "just the thing to make you 
win." It is the same in this country, and as a precaution 
wish to say that all "condition" feeds and powders are in- 
judicious extras prepared from business motives, and buy- 
ers should know tnat the various cereals and vegetables 
which constitute the food of grain eating animals contain 
all the nutrient nature intended they should have. Feeds 
containing condiments or medicinal ingredients should 
always be used with discretion, and all mixtures of this 
sort that ever came under my notice were merely a combin- 
ation of th9 grains usually fed individuany in a way, wiiu 
either cottonseed meal, gluten in disguised form, or sugar 
obviously prepared, added, with all of which the well in- 
formed breeder is likely acquainted beforehand. These 
mixtures cost more than regular feed, but are they worth 
more? One important consequence should be persistently 
remembered with regard to the use of prepared feeds — they 
usually contain stimulating material in some form — an un- 

»2 



natural effect upon flesh tissue — the re-action from which is 
always detrimental far in excess to the .apparent benefit. 
The only safe line of correct teeding lies along the course 
laid out by the physiological laws in nature. 

A few p.aragraphs ahead I spoke of feeding no milk in 
any form to my stock. I don't like it, and found no oc- 
casion to do so. Many, however, do, and I do not wish to 
advise specially against the use of it as a food. I receive 
numerous inquiries along all lines of interest in breeding 
hares, and among them are many asking the advisability or 
propriety of using it for young and old stock. The great 
danger of feeding milk lies in chemical changes. That it 
is a good feed for young stock is true, but rememl5er, 
young hares in the wild state don't have it after the mother 
forsakes them. Milk as ,a diet for young animais was 
not intenaed for them longer than the parent supplies it. 
11 one does feed it after weaning the brood, great care is 
required that it is perfectly "fresh," and only so much 
given as will be consumed at once. Let none sour in the 
dish, for sour milk is acid, and causes what in hares is 
known as "slobbers" — a very annoying trouble. Remem- 
ber, too, it is an animal fluid, and not identical to water as 
a liquid. Ptomaine poisoning is possible from it. If mix- 
ed with dry feed of .any sort, be sure that the dry feed con- 
tains nothing that will cause chemical changes in the 
milk. With these precautions in mind, it can safely be 
used as a feed. I have on several occasions noticed "direc- 
tions" for feeding cabbage. Some eschew it .as a poison 
for hares, while others feed it freely. It is not a poison, 
and the hares are fond of it, especially as a green food in 
winter; but, like all things, don't overfeed, and be sure it 
was not treated with a p.aris-green solution against worms 
in its early growth; nor previously frozen. 

Potatoes I never feed, nor do the hares care for them. 
Boiled, and crumbled in w.^-h dry feed, they should not be 
objectionable; but I consider Inem too rich in starch unless 
fed very sparingly. Sweet-potatoes are not as rich in 
starch .as "white," and are somewhat allied to carrots. I 
feed them sparingly when 1 have no carrots or turnips. In- 
deed, all greens should be fed with caution against excess. 
In summer time when clover is plenty, I feed it daily in 
conjunciion with cured hay — mornings — but it must be 
fresh cut. Wilted grass, for obvious reasons, are objec- 
tionable. Because greens are so plenty during the sum 
mer season there is grave danger in overfeeding bunny 
with it, and I have observed that paralysis .^ one of the 
results, .-y losing several valuable young on an occasion 
when I was called away professionally for three or four 
consecutive days, while the children enjoyed themselves 
' tending bunny while you was 'way, papa." 



83 



Hutches 



This means a chest, box, case, or bin in which rabbits 
are kept. The little creatures are not at all particular as to 
dimensions, style, or expense laid out to keep them; but 
with hares, as with the care of all other animals, if one 
desires to get on well with them it is essential that they 
are kept with regard to comfort and cleanliness. It does 
not matter, either, whether reared for fancy or utility pur- 
poses, comfort and cleanliness count as much for one as 
the, other, because both are absolutely essential to bring 
up a beautiful animal as well as a useful one. 

The character of the hutches depends on the number 
of uares one intends to rear, and say any number upwards 
of twenty, the most ideal method is to have them side by 
side, so built with wire netting that they can see each oth- 
er. The matter of size is optional, .and should be arrang- 
ed in harmony with the number to be kept in one compart- 
ment. Some breeders build their hutches one tier above 
the other, no doubt as a matter of economy for space. 
This method is objectionable for sanitary reasons, not- 
withstanding every effort to have the floor above unleivk- 
able tight. 

As said, with reference to feeding, so in this — keep as 
close to nature as one can possibly manage, and this im- 
plies, that a bare space on the ground is nearest right. 
Here again I will give my method of housing my pets — not 
'essentially as an authority — but as information for the 
beginner. I keep a tier of four roomy hutches specially 
built for four breeding does. These I had made out of 
two piano boxes sawed in halves and set ends on, with 
each an outside run, making the room occupied by one doe 
2% X 3 inside, and 3 x 4% outside, and 2 feet high along 
the lowest roof-line. The nest boxes are f-astened on the 
outside along the back (entire length) a foot wide, and 
one and one-half high, with a sloping roof cover on hinges. 
Thus arranged, one can examine the nest without disturb- 
ing the doe, besides being convenient for cleaning. 

As a precaution against rats I built the floor one foot 
from the ground, and space partition and pen surrounding 
of one-inch mesh wire netting. The wood bottom floor is 
kept covered with straw inside, and outside with sand 
and fine straw. Of course, my breeding hutches are 
quite roomy to be occupied by a single doe to each 
compartment, and smaller spaces by one foot every way 
would answer nearly as well; but if you have the room to 
spare, make bunny happy with space for needful exercise, 
especially for the babies up to weaning time. 

84 



It is a rule with me to breed at least two does a few 
days apart, so the young can be penned together after re- 
moval from the mother. 

My large runs for the growing youngsters are so far, 
four in number, 2y2 feet wide, and 18 long, with a "hiding" 
box at the far end. These have ground floors covered with 
2 inch mesh wire netting — no, they don't ^ig through this— 
they try it once, that's all. Beside these, I keep ten extra 
hutches — two for individual bucks, four for emergency, and 
four smaller ones for hospital purposes. I also have a 
prison for unruly tyrants. All these occupy a ground space 
of 24 X 30 feet, which is entirely covered with a roof of tar- 




paper fastened on skeleton frame-work as a protection 
from the elements and hot sun in summer, of course, strict 
attention is given to thorough disinfection aside from the 
regular cleaning. For this I use the commercial (crude) 
carbolic acid, which is sprinkled along the sides and cor- 
ners, inside and out. Droppings are cleaned out every 
alternate day in summer and once a week in cold and 
freezing weather. In short, the hutches must be kept 
clean, dry, and disinfected, so I can go out .any time, 
take up .a bunny and handle it without soiling my hands or 
clothes. 

Now, this is my way of doing things, and as pre- 
viously noted, no sickness has as yet given me trouble of 
any .^ort. 



85 



In England, the breeding of hares is recognized as a 
fancy, upwards of half a century, .and in the past twenty 
years has received more scientific attention than in any 
other country, and while individual breeders do not per- 
haps conduct rabbitries on so large a scale as some in 
America, there are more devoted to it. Special attention 
is given to the racy type so characteristic of the English 
wild hare, and to this end the hutches are built high, rath- 
er than wide and long. This is a commendable idea, and 
goes far toward obviating crouchiness, with the accompany- 
ing tendency to develop the objectionable dewlap. Var- 
ious contrivances, also, are resorted to with a view to the 
development of ideal points, such as placing ,a board 




cross-wise in the run a foot or so high for jumping exer- 
cise, which is supposed to give length of limb, span from 
shoulder to sacrum (across hips,) well set ears, and tuck- 
up of flank. Feed boxes are built to compel a stretch of 
the neck in order to reach the food, another factor toward 
creating length. Such adjuncts are of course, only novel- 
ties toward an end; but are indeed essential for obviating 
objectionable tendencies and training out desirable ones. 
Then, too, niany fanciful ideas can be carried out in con- 
structing hutches which go far to give the breeding an ap- 
pearance of taste in commendable harmony with the spirit 
implied by the term Fancy. 

Breeding on a large scale necessarily requires space 
commensurate with the number one qaarter is to contain. 



86 



and in all events must be so that the timid ones in a batch 
have room to evade the tyrants always found among it. 
Absolute freedom for exercise is an essential in utility 
breeding as well as fancy. 

To ^reed on a small scale and with limited space, in- 
dividual specimens should, if at all possible, never be given 
less room than 4 feet long, 11/2 wide, and 2 to 3 high. This 
is, for such who desire only a few hares for occasional 
table use, and while rearing them thus they will do well 
when sensibly attended — in open or closed quarters — they 
do best of all with as much room as one can spare. 

A convenient indoor hutch (Fig. 1) is one 6 by 2 feet, 
with a movable partition dividing off a third of the space 




-^i 



ri G. 3 A Simple Movable Outdoor Hufch 



at one end for a nest and sleeping chamber. The partition 
has a smooth hole to permit passage of the animals from 
one part to the other. The front of the hutch has two 
doors, one of wire netting, the other of wood. The wooden 
door leads to the sleeping chamber and should close 
tightly. It is best to use metal hinges for the doors. The 
partition may slide in a groove between the doors or may 
be put in and taken out through one of the door openings. 

Outdoor hutches should have sloping roofs and over- 
hanging eaves to protect them from rain. The screen 
door should have a sliding cover of wood or be fitted with 
a removable cloth cover. Small holes bored near the top 
cf the hutch will afford all necessary ventilation. 



87 



Movable hutches (Fig. 2) have some advantages. 
They may be carried outdoor in fine weather and taken 
back under shelter at night during storms. Long, narrow 
cleats projecting at both ends of the hutch are all that 
are needed to convert the ordinary hutch into a movable 
one. Two forms of outdoor hutch sometimes used are 
shown in Figures 3 and 4. That in figure 3 has no floor 
except a wire screen, permitting the rabbits to eat grass 

In conclusion of this topic on hutches allow me to em- 
phasize again the positive necessity of cleanliness and dis- 
infection, whether the room occupied be large or small; 
for once sickness gets .among a herd its eradication is often 
a serious trouble. An excellent disinfection, as well as 




a point of cleanliness, is to white-wash all board-work with 
a lime solution strongly impregnated with crude carbolic 
acid and if a handful of salt is added to the lime while 
slaking hot, its "sticking" and lasting quality is greatly 
enhanced. By following along the lines here explained, 
the housing of hares will be a matter of comfort and 
success, with every possible source of disease eliminated. 



88 



Ailments of Rabbits 

Rabbits of all kinds are remarkably free from diseases 
if they are properly cared for. With many years of breed- 
ing to my credit, I find that prevention is the best possible 
cure. There is too much coddling of rabbits and they are 
as a consequence, not hardy enough. If you have vigor 
and pay for the proper attention to feeding, housing and 
sanitation you will have little or no disease. Under no 
condition breed from stock th,at is suffering from snuffles, 
scurvy, and vent disease. If you wish to build up a stud 
that will be permanent and a pleasure to you, it is abso- 
lutely necessary that you breea from specimens that are 
perfectly sound and healthy. 

We are preaching the gospel of fresh air and it is 
one of the very best preventions of many diseases. Above 
all, get busy and correct the first symptom of disease. As 
a general thing in the early stages it is easy to cure but 
after well seated it is almost impossible to affect a satis- 
factory cure. The most prevalent disease is the sniffles. 
Common sense methods in selection and housing has very 
materially reduced this disease and yet they are suscep- 
tible at all times to colds. When the first appearance of 
a cold or sneezing appears the specimens should be taken 
in hand at once. One of the very best remedies to ad- 
minister is ten drops of Tincture of Aconite in the homeo- 
pathic form in a drink of water or milk. Rabbits suffering 
from snuffles should be kept in a warm, well ventilated 
hutch, well bedded with hay and thoroughly disinfected. 
Easy digested foods should be given them. Boracic pow- 
der and iodoform powder in equ.al parts blown up the nos- 
trils has been used with excellent results. 

INDIGESTION is the cause and 
should be treated as follows: 
Slobbers ^^^^ ^^^ tablespoonful each, 

chlorate of potash and powdered 
ginger, adding one pint of w.ater; 
let stand for a few hours, shake thoroughly and give tea- 
spoonful doses twice a day. 

THERE is no cure for this. You 

will find the animal dragging its 

Paralysis hind quarters around the hutch 

as though the hip bones were 

broken. Kill at once and put it 

out of its misery. 

TREAT these with an ointment 
made of equal parts of petroleum 
Skin Eruptions J^lly and flour of sulphur, rubbing 

it well into the scurf. If you are 
troubled with sore hocks result- 
ing from dirty hutches, apply tne same remedy. 

89 



YOUNGSTERS are imrticularly 
troubled with this disease after 
Diarrhea *^®^ have just been weaned. 

Sudden weather changes such as 
excessive heat or excessive cold 
will cause it and in some instances is the result of fright. 
An abundance of green food, if too wet or stale, will 
often cause it. When the symptoms .are first noticed, 
all green food should be removed and they should be fed 
on old clover hay and dry grains. Mix one teaspoonful of 
pulverized arrowroot in a teacupful of milk and give the 
specimen daily until the diarrhea is checked. Pine saw- 
dust acts .as a disinfectant and is a splendid floor cover- 
ing and absorbent during this period. 

THIS is a very troublesome disease 
and extremely painful to the ani- 
Ear Canker ™^^- ^^ proper attention was 

paid to cleanliness there would 
be little trouble along this line. 
Syringe the ear with warm, soapy water until the wax has 
become soft; then remove with a blunt instrument, apply- 
ing .an ointment made of one ounce ot petroleum jelly 
with five drops of carbolic acid, well worked into it. 

FLEAS are a constant source of 

worry to rabbits, especially to 

Insect Pests Lops. Any good insect powder 

well worked into the skin will rid 

the specimen of these pests. 

After thoroughly dusting and rubbing it well into the coat, 

it is well to use a small tooth comb to remove them. A 

splendid insect powder is made of equal parts of Persian 

insect powder and tobacco powder well worked together. 

THIS is a common disease but is 
RimnincT at fViA easily cured by placing a little 

I\unning ai me ^^^^ ointment on the eye-ball. 

Eyes closing the lid over it and work- 

ing it in well. If you have a 
stubborn case, dissolve a tablespoonful of boracic powder in 
a pint of boiling water and when cold bathe the eyes thor- 
oughly. If any running sores develop, iodoform ointment 
will give immediate relief. 

THIS can readily be overcome by 
feeding an abundance of green 

Constipation stuff and cutting out the corn and 

hay, reeding only a meal mash, 
to wnich a little boiled linseed 

has been added. If no response to this treatment, give 

half a teaspoonful dose of syrup of buck thorn d.aily until 

again normal. 

90 



THERE are a number of forms of 
skin trouble resulting in bald 

Skin Troubles patches. This should not be 

neglected for many valuable spec- 
imens have been ruined in this 

way. Cantharides ointment will kill the parasite and assist 

the fur to grow. 

THE prevention of abortion is 
difficult. Disinfect the hutches 
Abortion thoroughly and do not feed flow- 

ers of sulphur during the breed- 
ing seasons. 

THE cause of the disease kas not 
as yet been thoroughly worked 
Vent Gleet out. I am convinced that it is 

similar to gonorrhea in the hu- 
man family. Isolate the speci- 
men, disinfect the hutch from which it was removed. Give 
30 grains Epsom Salts and twice a day inject a 4 per cent, 
solution of cocaine and immediately after a solution of 
nitrate of silver, 4 grains to the ounce. The fifth day com- 
mence a small copabia capsule daily .and inject acetote of 
lead, 1 drachm to the pint, fed rather low and dust any 
sore places outside with iodoform. Under no consideration, 
breed an animal showing the slightest symptoms of this 
disease. 

Preparation for the Show Room 

The inherent desire within the breast of man is to 
produce something just a little better than his brother, to 
show it just a little better than his brother and to win just 
a few more blue ribbons in keen competition, in the Show 
Hoom. 

Preparation in many instances means success. There 
was a time a few years ago when the breeder could rush 
to his hutches, grab up a few rabbits, throw them into a 
basket and send them to the Show Room and win with 
them; but that day is past. It is .absolutely necessary to 
show every animal in as good condition as possible. Over 
crowding is conducive to all sorts of trouble and should be 
carefully avoided. Again, over showing results in a long 
chain of ills that are exceedingly difficult to overcome. 
These two failings, (and they are often the result of 
thoughtlessness) have hindered the success of more fan- 
ciers than anything else we know of. Every care should 
be exercised in the selection for show purposes, being care- 
ful to apply the Standard strictly and select specimens that 
exhibit a general set of selected points. 

91 



The animal should be long and thin, both in body and 
limbs. The ears should be long and carried well back- 
ward. There should be practically no ticking at the select- 
ion age, say three or four months. The hind feet should 
be level in color, the same being carried well up the hock. 
One mistake is often nuade in selecting specimens that 
show choppiness, but my advice is to get rid of these at all 
cost. You have here a small gauge to select promising 
youngsters by. After having made your selection they 
should be placed in large, roomy hutches, fed on stimulat- 
ing diet and should have every care and attention paid 
them. Don't misunderstand this to apply to all varieties 
of rabbits, for it is my intention to apply the above one to 
the r>elgian hare. What would be necessary in the select- 
ion of the Belgian hare would be fatal to a Flemish Giant. 
Condition, however, must not be misunderstood. It does not 
represent fat or bulky station. It appeals to me as a 
means whereby specimens exhibited may be shown in a 
state representing a high standard of excellence, consist- 
ing with the points of the variety. 

In all varieties shape must be given first considera- 
tion and it is absolutely necessary that youngsters be given 
as much exercise as possible. It is well to construct a 
running hutch with a jumping board across the middle, 
compelling them to race around the hutch and in jumping 
over the hurdle they will harden the flesh and decrease 
the size of the stomach. The exercise, too, is also im- 
portant to increase the length of limb. Many English 
breeders in preparing choice youngsters for exposition, or 
when the specimens are under a great strain, advocate the 
use of egg flip. A simple way to make it is to beat up three 
eggs with a little moist sugar, gently adding .a pint and 
a half of milk, beating it together thoroughly and give each 
rabbit a teacupful for the evening meal. While for the 
morning meal, give a little green stuff and the best oats 
and wheat mixed, two-third oats, and one-third wheat, 
while a little clover hay should be added to the morning or 
mid-day meal. 

One of the great secrets of success is in proper groom- 
ing. With the short coated v.arieties a thorough rub with 
the bare hands, following it up with a dry chamois skin, is 
all that is necessary. There is nothing better than a low 
table to use for grooming. Cover it with a piece of car- 
pet or clean sack, nailing it uown so that the specimen 
may have something to grip on to with his feet. You will 
find this a comparatively easy way to groom them. 
When the specimens are moulting they should be groomed 
at least once a day and their housing should be carefully 
looked after for they are very susceptible to cold at this 
time. Place the specimen on the table and vigorously rub 
the coat in the direction in which it lies and persevere until 

92 



all the loose coat is removed, finishing off with briskly 
rubbing the specimen all over with a dry chamois skin. 
Belgian hares need a little attention to the fore legs when 
moulting its young coat. It should be held firmly by the 
ears and the other hand should be used to pull the legs one 
at a time, allowing the hand to slip so that all the loose 
fur may be removed. Under no consideration resort to 
plucking for this is altogether outside the province of 
grooming and can at once be detected by any competent 
judge and the specimen would be disqualified. Specimens 
thus handled have the advantage of not only being well 
groomeu but at the same time, well trained and this is 
absolutely necessary for success in the show room. There 
is nothing more trying to a judge than to have a wild, 
restless, untrained specimen to liandle, and in many in- 
stances specimens have gone down that if properly handled 
before the Show, would have been easy winners. 



A Few Short Rules that Would be Well 
to Follow, Are:- 

1. Select specimens of perfect health. 

7 . Select them as near perfection mark as possible. 

o. Feed them the very best of nourishing feeds. 

4. See that their hutches are sanitarily clean. 

5. Keep everlastingly grooming them. 

6. Break them to hand so that they will be perfectly 
tame and pose correctly in the Show Room. 

7. Ship in baskets or boxes that are large and well 
littered and th.at will insure their arrival in good 
condition. 

It is rather difficult to take up the different varieties 
an'' give the data necessary for the development and 
conditioning .and selection so as to produce ones fit to win 
the Blue. There are too many opinions to consider, there 
are too many minor points to be covered and there are too 
"uany differences which brings success to many, that must 
De learned by close application and to careful study of con- 
dition and grooming. We uave, however, covered some of 
these in our feeble way with the hope that it may be help- 
ful to you. 



!){ 



New Zealand Red Hares 

This is one of the latest varieties of rabbits to claim 
the attention of American breeders. It is bred in New 
Zealand largely for its size and splendid meat quality. In 
size they are between the Belgian and Flemish and claim 
is made that the quality of the meat is superior to either 
and commands better prices for hotel trade and in the open 
market. They resemble the Belgian in shape. In color 
they are a deep orange. This combination will appeal to 
breeders from a beauty standpoint also. 

Standard of Points 

The following Standard has been adopted by the New 

Zealand Red Hare Club of America:^ 

Poin'tis 

COLOR: — (Rich even deep orange, red in all sec- 
tioins.) Richest specimen to receive 
reward 25 

SHAPE: — Body long, medium deep, back slightly 
arched, loins well rounded, muscular chest, 
■head of good length, tail straiight and a 
good racy appearance throughout 20 

EARS: — About six inches, fairly thin, stout and 
heavy at base, no lacing on edge, one blend 
of color thorughout, color the same inside 
and out 15 

EYES: — Large, round, hazel color, bold in appear- 
ance 10 

FOREFEET: — Straight, medium, and rather long, 
slender. Hindfeet long, well colored, to 
correspond witli body 10 

CONDITION:— Medium fat, flesh set on firm, and a 
good racy appearance, fur of good 

quality 10 

Without dewlap 05 

SIZE : —Nine pounds 05 



DISQUALIFICATIONS:— Lopped or fallen ears or 
ear. Wry tail extending more than twenty- 
five degrees. 



100 



94 



Standard of the New Zealand 
Rabbit 

As adopted by the Pacific Pet Stock Association, May 
10, 1914. Larger thao the Belgian Hare and of a beau- 
tiful reddish buff color. Does to have Dewlap evenly 
carried. Everybody's friend wherever known. 

Official weight, 4 lbs. at three months; 6 lbs. at five 
months; 8 lbs. at eight months; 10 lbs. at twelve months. 
Five points cut for every pound short. 

Disqualifications — Wry tail, lop ear, crooked front or 
hind feet, other than hazel eyes, foreign colors. 

SCORE Points Cuts 

Color — Reddish buff, with whitish 

underbody, 30 V^-10 

Weight and size, 30 y2-10 

Head — Medium size and shapely, . . 15 %-7 

Ears — Erect, medium thick, 5% 

inches long, 15 Vz-l 

Eyes— Hazel 15 V2-1 

Legs — Medium, heavy-boned, with 

as little white as possible, .... 15 %-7 

Condition — Firm in flesh and close 

coated 10 Va-S 

100 



95 



We beg ito acknowledge the assistance so kindly given 
us in the preparation of ithis book by Mr. Wm. I. Lyon, 
President of The National Pet Stock Association of 
America. 



